The Carer Digital - Issue #168

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Issue 168

Unsustainable Pressures on Health and Social Care Leading to a "Two Tier System"

The unsustainable pressures on England’s health and social care system are leading to a “two tier system” where those who can afford to are paying for treatment while those who can’t are facing long waits and reduced access, the Care Quality Commission (CQC) has said in its annual state of care report.

“The combination of the cost-of-living crisis biting even harder and workforce challenges that are escalating has meant that there is a real risk of unfair care,”

CQC’s chief executive Ian Trenholm told a press briefing.

In its annual assessment of the state of health and adult social care, the CQC described this year as a “turbulent one for health and social care”.

(CONTINUED ON PAGE 3...)

PAGE 2 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

EDITOR'S VIEWPOINT Welcome to the latest edition of The Carer Digital!

We lead with the Care Quality Commission's (CQC) Annual State of Care Report for 2023, which will come as a surprise to no-one.

It is “alarmingly evident” that the UK's health and social care sectors are standing at a precipice, teetering on the edge of profound challenges and undeniable crises. That can be borne out by the numerous comments we received from sector leaders and organisations which can be seen on page 9, all of whom provide a devastating and honest appraisal of the sector and reasons why!

Editor Released on October 20th, this report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action in the face of mounting issues that the sector has been grappling with for years.

We were media partners and exhibitors earlier this month at one of the country’s largest care trade events at Birmingham’s NEC, and would draw your attention to a story on page 15.

The show saw several of the country’s most prominent spokespeople hit out at successive governments for their continued social care failings, this is a topic which has been high on the adult social care agenda since I first began editing THE CARER in 2008.

Successive governments, regardless of their political stripes, have consistently fallen short when it comes to preparing for the ageing population. The repercussions of this unpreparedness are now laid bare in the report's findings. The demographic shift towards an increasingly elderly population presents complex challenges that require foresight and strategic planning, including adequate funding and infrastructure, to address.

One of the glaring issues emphasized in the CQC report is funding.

While the workforce tirelessly strives to provide care and support to the elderly and vulnerable, the resources allocated are simply insufficient, particularly highlighted in the report.

Insufficient funding not only places a tremendous burden on those working within the sector, but also compromises the quality and accessibility of care, inevitably affecting the very people who depend on these services.

One of the real positives I took from the show is the support in innovation and adaptability the sector can rely on to meet the evolving needs of our ageing population.

We are delighted here at THE CARER to include many suppliers to the sector who provide technology, revolutionising care, as well suppliers in many other fields, such as

Peter Adams

catering, hygiene, health and safety, furnishings, activities and entertainment and other innovative products and services, companies who value and invest to ensure the highest possible standards of care in care environments.

Being at the show gave a first-hand opportunity to see these products and services in action, but it was clear with feedback on our stand the difficulties operators are facing through lack of investment and support from the government.

We must recognize that the health and social care sector is the backbone of our society, tasked with the tremendous responsibility of caring for the elderly, the infirm, and those in need. However, the persistent underfunding and lack of investment demonstrate a glaring lack of prioritization, and the consequences are far-reaching.

In this context, the CQC's report should be seen as a wake-up call. We cannot afford to ignore the challenges and deficiencies that it underscores. Our elderly population deserves better. Our dedicated care workers deserve better. Our entire society deserves better.

It is high time for a comprehensive, long-term solution to address the challenges laid bare by the CQC's report. The elderly and vulnerable members of our society deserve a future where they can receive the highest quality of care. The tireless caregivers deserve a future where their invaluable work is properly recognized and supported.

The CQC's report is a clear call to action, for the government to meet challenges not shy away from them.

And I would like to take this opportunity to say a humble thanks for the wonderful feedback we here at THE CARER have received at trade events this month. We are so delighted that you value and enjoy what we publish, in print and digitally. Without your support, and the support of our valued advertisers, we could not do it!

And, as previously stated, we are in the process as the year comes to an end in refreshing our print and digital database. If, for whatever reason, you no longer receive a copy please do not hesitate to get in touch with us and we will make sure you are added back on!

Please do follow us on social media.

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THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 3

Unsustainable Pressures on Health and Social Care Leading to a "Two Tier System" (CONTINUED FROM THE FRONT COVER) The report reveals that: • In addition to the ongoing problem of ‘gridlocked’ care highlighted in last year’s State of Care, the cost-of-living crisis is biting harder for the public, staff, and providers – and workforce pressures have escalated.

• This combination risks leading to unfair care – where those who can afford to pay for treatment do so and those who can’t face longer waits and reduced access.

• Adult social care providers are facing increased running costs, including food and electricity, with some struggling to pay their staff a wage in line with inflation, which affects recruitment and retention. This is likely to have an impact on people, both in the quality of care they receive and in providers’ ability to re-invest in care homes – data from CQC’s Market Oversight scheme shows that care home profitability remains at historically low levels.

• Local authority budgets have failed to keep pace with rising costs and the increase in the number of people needing care. As local authority funded adult social care places are often less profitable, there is the risk that people who live in more deprived areas, and are more likely to receive local authority funded care, may not be able to get the care they need.

• Some people who pay for their own care at home have had to cut back on visits to support their basic needs, with one homecare provider telling CQC: “Due to the cost of living crisis and increased fuel prices, we have had to increase the rates for service users… the outcome was that some people have reduced their care visits to a minimum… this has impacted on their quality of life.”

• Workforce challenges have intensified with unresolved industrial action

by NHS staff unhappy with pay and conditions. The number of people on waiting lists for treatment has grown to record figures and in the face of longer waits, those who can afford it are increasingly turning to private healthcare. Research by YouGov shows that 8 in 10 of those who used private health care last year would previously have used the NHS, with separate research showing that 56% of people had tried to use the NHS before using private healthcare.

TWO TIER HEALTHCARE This situation is likely to exacerbate existing heath inequalities and increase the risk of a two-tier system of health care, with people who cannot afford to pay waiting longer for care. CQC’s adult inpatient survey, based on feedback from over 63,000 people, found that 41% felt their health deteriorated while they were on a waiting list to be admitted to hospital.

People may also be forced to make difficult financial choices; CQC heard from someone in receipt of benefits who resorted to extracting their own tooth because they were unable to find an NHS dentist. They then had to pay £1,200 on a credit card for private treatment, doing without household essentials until the debt was paid.

During 2022/23, CQC has continued to take a risk-based approach, focusing inspection activity on those core services that nationally are

operating with an increased level of risk, and on individual providers where monitoring identifies safety concerns. Ratings data shows a mixed picture of quality, with a notable decline in maternity, mental health and ambulance services.

Access to and quality of mental health care also remain a key area of concern. Gaps in community care continue to put pressure on mental health inpatient services, with many inpatient services struggling to provide a bed, which in turn leads to people being cared for in inappropriate environments – often in A&E. One acute trust reported that there had been 42 mental health patients waiting for over 36 hours in their emergency department in one month alone. When people do get a bed in a mental health hospital, the quality of care is often not good enough. Safety continues to be an area of concern, with 40% of providers rated as requires improvement or inadequate for safety.

UNFAIR CARE Recruitment and retention of staff remains one of the biggest challenges for the mental health sector, with the use of bank and agency staff remaining high and almost 1 in 5 mental health nursing posts vacant. CQC has raised concerns that staffing issues in mental health services are leading to the over-use of restrictive practices, including restraint, seclusion, and segregation, and called on providers to recognise and take steps to address this.

Ian Trenholm, CQC’s Chief Executive, said: “The combination of the cost-of-living crisis and workforce challenges risks leading to unfair care, with those who can afford to pay for treatment doing so, and those who can’t facing longer waits and reduced access. And the impact of unresolved industrial action on people can’t be ignored – it’s crucial that both parties work towards an agreement so strikes do not continue into the winter, when disruption will have to be managed alongside increased demand for urgent care and staff sickness.

“Of course, workforce challenges for the health and social care sector long pre-date the current industrial action. The publication of the NHS Long TermWorkforce plan has been a positive step but implementation will be challenging – particularly without a social care workforce strategy to sit alongside it. We continue to call for a national workforce strategy that raises the status of the adult social care workforce and ensures that career progression, pay and rewards attract and retain the right professional staff in the right numbers. It is encouraging that Skills for Care have made this an area of focus.

“We remain concerned that some people are more likely to have a poorer experience of care. To better understand barriers to equality, we’ve commissioned research with midwives from ethnic minority groups, and with people from ethnic minority groups with long-term conditions. We’ve also worked with our expert advisory group for autistic people and people with a learning disability to develop a clearer and stronger position on the use of restrictive practice – we expect all providers to recognise restrictive practice and to actively work to reduce its use.

“However, it’s important to say that we have also seen staff and

leaders across all sectors mitigating risks arising from staffing shortages and working hard to deliver good care in very challenging conditions.”

LACK OF PLANNING Ian Dilks, Chair of CQC, said: “The challenges described in this year’s State of Care are to some degree caused by a lack of joined up planning, investment, and delivery of care.

“Integrated Care Systems present the opportunity ofbringing together local health and care leaders with the populations they support to understand, plan, and deliver care at a local level. This would in time move some of the focus of care away from big institutions and towards local and self-care provision, with autonomy to act on local population needs and an increased focus on preventing poor health, not just treating it.

“However, inour first look across local care systems, we found that while all systems have some equality, diversity and inclusion objectives, these plans do not all have timeframes and measures. All systems need clear and realistic goals – and support to achieve these – that reflect how they will address unwarranted variations in population health and disparities in access, outcomes, and experience of health and social care.

“This opportunity must be grasped to ensure fairer care for everyone – so people get the care they need, not just the care they can afford.”

SILENCE IS DEAFENING Matthews, CEO of learning disability charity Hft says: “Today’s report highlights what we already know - adult social care is in a precarious position. And that, all too often, this can lead to unfair care, where too many people are forced to endure longer waits and reduced access to the support they need.

“Indeed, our 2022 Sector Pulse Check report, published in partnership with Care England, reveals how the adult social care sector’s ability to respond to need is being questioned, as 42% of adult social care providers had to close down part of their organisation or handback contracts to Local Authorities last year due to cost pressures.

“As highlighted so well by Social Care Future, when working at its best, adult social care can support people to find, grow and weave together the people, places and resources to live where they choose, in the way that they want. It is clear that the economic, physical and mental health benefits of this for society would be immeasurable.

“But it is distressing that, at present, a brighter future for our sector, for those who are supported by it, and for those who work in it, seems impossible.

“With such little movement on this issue for so long, it is high time that the Government recognises the scale of the challenges our sector faces, at the very minimum. The upcoming Autumn Statement provides just one opportunity for the financial pressure on adult social care to be alleviated, but we will continue to call for a long-term financial settlement for our sector.”

For full in-depth sector reaction to the reports see page 9.

PAGE 4 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

Providing Next Gen Data For Next Gen Residents The next generation of tech-savvy residents will play a vital role in shaping digital care. Phil Brown, Chief Product Officer at KareInn (www.kareinn.com), discusses how a focus on prevention, and person-centred care planning, will further help accelerate the digital transformation of social care.

Today’s generation of residents are the first to see the benefits digital can have on the quality of their care.

Although care homes across the country are still at very different stages of their digital transformation journeys, the sector agrees that technology can change experiences and outcomes, for the better.

From streamlining information management, improving care coordination, and enabling more personalised and efficient healthcare services, we are seeing every day, how digital is improving outcomes for people. But as new, or ‘next gen’ residents enter care homes – residents with a different understanding, experience and expectation of digital – how can we ensure technology will continue to accelerate the transformation of care delivery?

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY NEXT GEN RESIDENT? The tech-savviness of the older generation can vary significantly depending on several factors. Things like exposure to technology and access to learning opportunities, all play a part in a resident’s understanding of, and attitude towards digital care. Generally, older adults have been adapting to technology at a faster pace in recent years due to its increasing prevalence and user-friendly designs. Many have embraced tech in their everyday lives with enthusiasm. Like younger demographics, they use smartphones, tablets, and other devices to stay connected with family and friends, access information online, and engage in social media. Many even understand how and why their data is collected.

DRIVING TRUE PERSON-CENTRED CARE The CQC’s Regulation 9 says that care providers must make sure that each person receives appropriate person-centred care and treatment, that is based on an assessment of their needs and preferences.

Engaging residents and their families in the digital process, and showing them the benefits of it, will help

to gain their support and feedback throughout a care home’s transformation process. This is person-centred care in its truest form, and involving people in all decisions about their health is the best approach to ensuing the next gen resident is engaged with digital care.

Many forward-thinking care homes are now using resident and family portals – a secure online place where family and friends of those being cared for stay informed about the care they’re receiving – to capture and share the critical information that deepens the positive outcomes for residents. Portals promote inclusive and transparent care, they also promote resident-led care as needs, concerns and wishes can be communicated and available to care providers in real-time.

Portals also enable a more fluent and meaningful dialogue with family members, putting records and precise information about care and wellbeing at their fingertips. It also can help communicate about mealtimes, activities and what the resident got up to that day, their mood, and what actions were taken to address any issues.

PREVENTION RATHER THAN PROBLEM SOLVE We know that digital care planning in care homes can lead to a more efficient, coordinated, and personcentred approach to residential care, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and improving the working environment for staff. But we also know that a lot of the challenges care staff are facing can’t be solved by digital care planning apps.

We all know care providers are doing all they can to become more digital, but the adoption of technology in care homes may vary depending on factors such as budget, regulations, and the willingness of both the workforce and residents to embrace the new. Some care homes, particularly in rural areas or with limited resources, might face challenges in providing robust internet connectivity. Concerns about data security and privacy may also influence the decision to implement internet access in some care facilities.

Because of these and many other challenges, we need to be more focused on prevention. Our aim is to arm people with all the necessary information so that they can identify potential risks and address them proactively. Whether it’s early identification of health issues, more efficient medication management, fall prevention, better insight into nutrition and hydration, digital care is designed to promote a person-centred approach to prevention.

The next generation of tech-savvy residents is poised to have a significant impact on shaping digital care.

By driving adoption, expecting personalised care and actively participating in care innovation, their impact will help accelerate the digitisation social care and help it achieves its integrated, digital care planning ambitions.

Walking Football Competition Sees Care Home Group Take On Premier League Side AFC A goal-scoring care home resident and staff from Care South competed in a special intergenerational walking football competition against teams from Premier League football club, AFC Bournemouth.

Six teams in total competed as AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust hosted its annual walking football tournament at the Ringwood Community Hub. Care South, a not-for-profit provider of high quality residential and Care at Home services across the South of England, are long-time partners of AFC Bournemouth and fielded two teams made up of staff and residents.

The Care South teams played against AFC Bournemouth under18s and women’s team and a Community Sports Trust over-50s side, competing on a round robin basis with 11 games played over the afternoon.

John, a resident from Talbot View, a Care South home, took to the field for the first time in 45 years and scored a goal in one of the matches. Four residents from Fairlawn, another Care South home, came to cheer on the team, join in the warmup and enjoy a kick-about themselves between games.

A partner of AFC Bournemouth since 2014, Care South backs a host of club initiatives which provide

richer experiences for residents, creating stimulating and lasting memories through the power of football.

The Cherries second-year scholars emerged triumphant following a closely contested final against the Community Sports Trust over-50s, while all the games were played in good spirits.

Simon Bird, CEO of Care South, said: “We’re very proud of our long-standing partnership with AFC Bournemouth which enables residents in our care to re-engage with activity and enjoy unique events such as this. The partnership is widely enjoyed by residents whether it’s walking football, football in the homes, visits from the team, and other special events that the residents get to benefit from.”

Steve Cuss, who heads the Community Sports Trust, said: “Our walking football tournaments are always a lot of fun but are competitive as well. They are played in a light-hearted manner, and everyone enjoys them and plays with a smile on their face which is what our community work is all about. We’ve got a great partnership with Care South, going into their care homes, and working with the residents, delivering football sessions and talking all things AFC Bournemouth.”

Saying Hola and Bonjour to Memories A pioneering language learning programme, recently launched in London, is set to open up new opportunities for residents in care and retirement homes. Developed and operated by Speak Like A Native, this innovative initiative has been on hold for three years.

CEO Stuart Rubenstein says, “We’ve been running language courses in nurseries and schools for years but Covid meant we’ve had to wait until now to start in care homes. It’s very exciting to begin rolling it out and seeing how positive the initial reception is.”

He explains that what makes this course so special is that it’s not about turning up and teaching a few words in Spanish or French. “We create a space where residents can connect the language with memories, which might be food or culture, school experiences, family or holidays. The lessons are very fluid and follow the pace of those participating. We personalise everything and make it a very special hour for all involved.”

Among the early adopters of Speak Like A Native is Alan Morkhill House in North Kensington, part of the Gold Care Homes group, which now has Spanish for beginners as one of its regular weekly events.

Suraiya Islam, activities co-ordinator at Alan Morkhill House, explains why she’s become a fan of Speak Like A Native. “The language sessions benefit our residents in numerous ways; they help them grow, stimulate their brains, increase their desire to learn and try something new, improve their attention span, slow down cognitive issues, improve memory function, boost their self-esteem and give them a sense of pride.”

Rubenstein and his wife, Greta Grinfeld, set up Speak Like A Native to take away the fears of language learning for people of all ages and to promote the positive benefits of being multilingual. “However,” as Grinfeld points out, “this course is different to what we offer children or young adults. In care homes, it’s obviously not about passing exams or career prospects but about reminiscing and the joy that can be found today in learning and discovering something new.

We all like challenges and all deserve to feel proud of what we can accomplish.”

Grinfeld adds that the most important aspect is that the residents have fun whether it’s sharing stories or having a go at Spanish or French pronunciation.

Islam agrees and says that “Our residents look forward to the sessions every week.”

She puts this down to the good rapport the Speak Like A Native teacher has built up with the participants. “They’ve become friends with the residents, and the experience has had a positive effect on everyone taking part.”

Rubenstein says that it’s not easy to explain to care homes why this is so much more than a language lesson. “That’s why we don’t try to get into too much detail about our methodology or what has gone into designing the course.

We prefer to offer a free taster session so care home managers and activities co-ordinators can see how it all works in their setting with their residents. Then it makes sense!”.

Care homes interested in finding out more about setting up a taster should get in touch with Speak Like A Native at help@speaklikeanative.com.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 5

Providers Condemn Abuse Of Overseas Recruitment A care providers’ group have condemned examples of employers abusing overseas recruitment.

The BBC has reported that a national helpline set up for victims of modern slavery is reporting a steep rise in calls from overseas workers who came to the UK to help plug staffing gaps in the care sector.

Many said they had paid huge sums to the people who brought them over after visa rules changed last year.

Unseen UK said more than 700 care staff used its helpline in 2022, citing examples of people being overworked and poorly paid when they arrive.

Today the social care provider organisation, The Independent Care Group (ICG) condemned such practices.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “I am horrified to hear that this is happening and absolutely condemn such activity. These operators have no place in social care provision in this country and should be rooted out and punished.

“The recruitment of overseas staff into social care has become a lifeline for care providers, the vast majority of whom are treating those staff with the respect they deserve.

“There is absolutely no reason for overseas staff to be paying for their own travel or sponsorship certificate – these should be met by the care provider.

“Overseas staff are coming to this country to provide care and to progress their own careers, they are not coming here to be mistreated in this way and it must be stopped.

“Thankfully, the vast majority of those coming to work in social care – some 70,000 in the past year – are being properly treated, are settling in well and are happily making a career for themselves in an important and rewarding sector.

“For many providers they are performing a vital role and are the difference between them being able to offer care and struggling to do so. They are doing a fantastic job and we are delighted and grateful to have them.

“As well as that they are contributing to the cultural mix of our care operators, which is a wonderful thing.”

Mr Padgham said going forward the workforce issue had to be addressed.

“A central part of the reform we are campaigning for is over staff and involves improving the pay and conditions of the workforce,” he said. “We have to create a social care sector where staff are paid on a par with their NHS healthcare counterparts and social care gets the recognition and standing as a profession and a career that it deserves. That will make recruitment into the sector – from home and abroad – easier to do and ease pressures in the system.”

Gibraltar Nursing Home’s Team Raises £1000 For Alzheimer’s Society The team at Gibraltar Nursing Home, Monmouth, embarked on a heartfelt journey to support the Alzheimer’s Society by organising a sponsored walk.

The group, comprising of dedicated team members and relatives, walked a remarkable 8.4 miles, showcasing their commitment to making a difference in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Bridget Ioannide, a House Leader at Gibraltar gave a moving and motivating speech at the start of their journey “Somewhere in the world a person gets diagnosed with a dementia every 3 seconds” snapping her fingers every 3 seconds to emphasise the gravity of the issue they were fighting for. “Not only that but there are around 900,000 people in the UK living with a dementia.”

With unwavering determination and community support, the team set on foot, starting at Monmouth Rowing Club, down to the Biblin’s swing bridge

and looping back up to Monmouth. Wearing their blue Alzheimer’s Society tshirts, they even received £55 in donations from passers-by.

The event, filled with camaraderie and determination, brought everyone together, highlighting the nursing home’s commitment to creating a sense of community and giving back. The participants showed incredible resilience and spirit as they completed the 8.4-mile walk, demonstrating the power of unity in the face of a common cause.

They raised an impressive £792.50 for the sponsored walk, and Gibraltar rounded the total up to £1000. These funds will be directed towards vital research, support programs, and resources provided by the Alzheimer’s Society.

The team express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported their fundraising efforts and encourages others to continue supporting this important cause and create a positive impact in the lives of those living with dementia.

PAGE 6 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

Supreme Court Appeals To Rule On ‘Assumption of Responsibility’ For Social Workers?

Two high-profile appeals involving social worker cases will be heard by the Supreme Court this Autumn. Kella Bowers, a partner and head of social care at Forbes Solicitors (www.forbessolicitors.co.uk), takes a look at the key points likely to arise from these appeals.

ASSUMPTION OF RESPONSIBILITY On 31 August 2022, the much-awaited judgment from the joined appeals in the matters of HXA v Surrey County Council and YXA v Wolverhampton County Council [2022] EWCA Civ 1196 was handed down from the Court of Appeal.

In YXA, one of the most notable points for social workers and local authorities was whether the provision of accommodation for a child under Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 involved an assumption of responsibility. This means that in addition to arranging safe accommodation for a child, reasonable steps must also be taken to ensure the welfare of the child by not returning them to an unsafe environment at home.

In HXA, it was alleged that the council had resolved to take care proceedings and carry out ‘keeping safe’ work with the claimant but had failed to do so. Lord Justice Baker held that both resolutions could possibly be deemed to have created a duty of care, despite the lack of a

Care Order or any actual accommodation of the child.

In the Lord Justice’s judgment, it was noted that an assumption of responsibility was ‘not necessarily confined to the actual periods when the child was being accommodated.’ Ultimately, without a full trial, it was not possible to say where the line should be drawn between situations giving rise to an assumption of responsibility and situations which do not. The Court of Appeal has therefore allowed the claimants’ appeals to the Supreme Court and has refused to strike-out negligence claims in “developing” areas such as this.

The Supreme Court has granted permission to appeal the cases, which will happen in the Autumn, with a judgement expected in Spring 2024.

SOCIAL CARE CONCERNS Section 20 of the Children Act 1989 is prescriptive about what is expected in terms of the ‘provision of accommodation for children’. It covers child welfare and needs, but very much in the context of a child’s accommodation requirements and how these are provided for by a local authority. Taking this into account, social workers and councils may have reasonably expected their responsibilities in this area to be focused on arranging safe accommodation.

The Judgement so far from the YXA case suggests the provision of accommodation may not be so clear cut, which may leave social workers concerned about negligence claims. HXA provides a suggestion that decisions not to take care proceedings or failure to complete “welfare” work in the pre-care period may also create an assumption of responsibility. If, however, the Supreme Court find that there is no assumption of responsibility during a pre-care period, then it will be difficult to establish liability. It may, concerningly and sadly, leave professionals questioning decisions about whether to accommodate chil-

dren. If an assumption of responsibility is a grey area, the irony may be that social workers and councils would be better protected in claims of negligence by not accommodating or taking care proceedings.

Social workers act in the best interests of vulnerable children, with our experience showing that their decision-making and actions will always seek to prioritise safeguarding welfare. The Supreme Court judgement in HXA and YXA, will hopefully provide some clarity on what, in the pre-care period, or during or after a Section 20 placement, will amount to an assumption of responsibility.

ADDRESSING CONCERNS Whether the assumption of responsibility is clearly defined in a future judgement or if it remains unclear, it’s advisable for social workers to clearly document their involvement in all cases from the outset.

If advice is provided, that care proceedings could be taken, but a decision is made to continue to try rehabilitation, full analysis of this decision should be documented. Social workers should not just document the decision that is made, but all the various options considered and why each one was discounted. With regards to Section 20, full analysis of the reason to return home, the consideration of the home environment and any ongoing input or family support required should also be clearly documented.

The timely recording of events and occurrences, decision making, consultation of expert advice and how advice was or was not followed, along with documentation of the steps that influenced outcomes, will all help to create a file that details whether responsibility has been assumed or not. Regularly recording these notes and reviewing them can clearly show consideration of responsibility during a pre-care period, and throughout any provision of care or accommodation.

MP, Nigel Huddleston, Visits Dorset House Nursing Home MP for Mid Worcestershire Nigel Huddleston, paid a visit to Dorset House Nursing Home on Friday 20th October, demonstrating his commitment to local communities and the wellbeing of the older generation.

Dorset House, known for its exceptional care and dedication to the elderly, was honoured to host Mr. Huddleston, who spent valuable time engaging with residents and staff, further strengthening the bond between local government and community institutions.

The visit began with a warm welcome as Nigel Huddleston was greeted by the residents, many of whom were eager to share their stories and experiences.

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Later he and his Constituency Assistant Helen McMillan savoured afternoon tea arranged by the home’s kitchen team.

Home Manager, Karen Johnson, remarked, “We are grateful for Mr. Huddleston’s visit. His presence reaffirms our residents’ sense of belonging and highlights the importance of community bonds.. One resident has a farming background, both had an in-depth conversation about agriculture. The residents also mentioned how pleasant both Nigel and his colleagues were. It was a privilege for us to welcome Nigel to Dorset House and would like to thank him for visiting”.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 7

Innovation Projects In Adult Social Care Receive £42.6m Boost Unpaid carers and those requiring care are in line to benefit from innovative new projects backed by a £42.6 million fund announced by the Department for Health and Social Care today, as the government continues to deliver on its vision for social care reform.

The Accelerating Reform Fund will focus on trialling and expanding new approaches to providing care and improving services for unpaid carers and is part of the Department’s Innovation and Improvement Unit. This fund includes our commitment to invest up to an additional £25m to support unpaid carers.

It is intended to fund projects which support our 10-year vision for adult social care, which focuses on three objectives: that people have choice, control and support to live independent lives, people can receive outstanding quality and tailored care and support, and that people find adult social care fair and accessible.

Local authorities are invited to register their interest in partnership with others in their integrated care systems to fund local innovation projects, which will be evaluated for potential rollout across the country.

Minister for Care, Helen Whately, said: I’m delighted to see the sector developing creative ways to move towards our ten-year vision for adult social care, and this funding is intended to help accelerate and grow these innovative approaches more widely.

Our selfless unpaid carers are often the unsung heroes of the care sector – which is why I’ve asked that they are at the heart of this funding, aimed at supporting locally-tailored projects that boost the quality, accessibility and independence of care.

Examples of projects include Shared Lives, a care and support service that matches people aged 16 and above who want to live independently in their community with Shared Lives carers. People move in with their Shared Lives carers and are supported within the context of the carer’s home and family. Support can vary depending on what suits the person, but can include temporary care and support, a day service, or longer-term overnight care.

An independent cost comparison of Shared Lives found that it has significantly lower costs for people with learning disabilities and people with mental ill health than other forms of regulated social care, such as residential care. Research by the Social Care Institute for Excellence found that Shared Lives can result in an average saving of £8,000 for people with mental health needs and £26,000 for people with learning disabilities.

More examples of innovation priorities, including case studies, are available here.

Kirsty McHugh, Carers Trust’s CEO, said: Carers Trust welcomes the focus in the Accelerating Reform Fund on the essential role that unpaid family carers play in our health and social care system. We know from our network of local carer organisations that innovation is already underway across the country.

We’re therefore looking forward to some fruitful collaborations between local authorities, local carer organisations and unpaid family carers themselves in the development and scaling of support which provide unpaid family carers with the help they desperately need.

Helen Walker, chief executive of Carers UK, said: We’re pleased that the £25 million committed to unpaid carers is now in play – it will be vital in helping to establish innovative and supportive local practices that support unpaid carers’ needs.

With an estimated 12,000 people a day becoming unpaid carers, and a rise in the numbers providing more than 50 hours of care each week, this funding is really necessary.

We hope it paves the way forward for longer-term innovation and support that is focused on unpaid carers’ unique needs.

The fund will support local authorities to take forward projects relevant to their local needs, working col-

laboratively with local partners in their Integrated Care System regions, including the NHS, care providers and voluntary and community sector groups.

It will support at least two projects per region, with one of those having a particular focus on unpaid carers. All projects should consider the needs of people who receive care as well as unpaid carers, and ensure they are inclusive of the diverse needs of local populations.

The Social Care Institute for Excellence will be offering hands-on support to local authorities to develop local partnerships and deliver projects. The institute will also collect and share valuable learnings from projects across the country.

Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Care England says: “We hope this injection of funding will help provide some much-needed stability to the sector, and encourage systematic innovative thinking which will directly support the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care. It is now incumbent on the government to ensure the funds reach the frontline and do not get caught in the webs of bureaucracy.”

“Innovation plays a crucial role in the social care sector, better enabling us to weather the storm of an ageing population, workforce challenges and ongoing inflationary pressures. This fund, if utilised to the best of its ability, can help foster an environment of transformation, and ensure the care sector remains fit for the future.”

Local authorities in collaboration with partners in their integrated care system area are invited to submit their expression of interest to DHSC by 12 January 2024.

WE NOW SUPPLY A WIDE RANGE OF FURNITURE

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 9

Sector Reacts to CQC Annual State of Care Report Leading figures from the adult social care sector have reacted to the quality Care, Commissions Annual State of Care report which has revealed the cost of living and staffing shortages are leading to longer waits and reduced access to care.

The report, described as “damning” by one care provider warns of ‘unfair care’ in England with social care campaigners calling for urgent reform.

Care provider organization The Independent Care Group (ICG), said the country deserved better than a two-tier system of social care.

ICG Chair Mike Padgham said: “We must not move fully into a system where if you can buy your own care, you can have it but if you rely on your local authority, you can’t.

“Today’s report from the CQC shames us as a country and exposes the cruel, two-tier system of social care of haves and have-nots that we have been warning would come for years.

“If this continues, more and more providers who rely on local authority residents and homecare contracts will fail or close down, leading to an even greater shortage of care provision. Older and vulnerable people deserve better and deserve to have the care they need, when they need it.

“This is just the latest in a long line of damning reports and we can only hope that one day the Government will read one of them and wake up to the fact that something needs to change.”

DAMNING PICTURE Vicki Nash, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at Mind, said: “This report paints a damning picture of the situation in mental health services. Sadly, the scale of the crisis comes as little surprise to those with experience of mental health problems or working on the frontline.

The findings sound alarm bells across the board – from quality and safety of care, through to waiting lists, capacity and staffing. These failings are systemic, and, despite repeated calls for investment and improvement, services are now buckling under the pressure.

“It is clear the mental health system is broken – people seeking help are being let down and even losing their lives in the process. They might be one of the eight million people struggling with their mental health who can’t access support, among the 1.8 million on waiting lists for community care or receiving hospital treatment that is substandard and unsafe. We know many people’s mental health deteriorates while waiting and can reach crisis point before they get help, meaning they are left with no alternative but A&E, detained against their will for treatment, or fall through the cracks between different overstretched agencies. This cannot go on. The UK government must urgently raise the standard of mental health care”.

UNDER INVESTMENT Matthew Taylor, chief executive of the NHS Confederation said: “This sobering report lays bare the critical state that the NHS is in and should provide a salutary warning to political leaders about the abundance of issues facing the health service and the scale of the recovery task ahead.

“After a decade of under-investment in staff, buildings and infra-

structure, it is no surprise that we are in this position. We now need a credible plan that helps NHS leaders recover services and rebuild public confidence in what has always been one of the UK’s most valued institutions.

“The report is rightly at pains to point out that there is good work happening across all of the sectors in very tough conditions, particularly around mitigating the risks of staffing shortages, but health leaders will all too readily recognise the many intractable problems outlined within it.

“This should make for deeply uncomfortable reading for the government, with crises on multiple fronts meaning much more help is needed if the gridlocked care system is to have any hope of getting back to where it was in terms of performance a decade ago.

“This report suggests that those who can afford it are increasingly turning towards private care, creating the risk of widening access gaps towards a future two-tier healthcare system, or the impact of the costof-living crisis on patients, providers and exhausted, stressed staff – whose satisfaction with levels of pay has dropped twelve percentage points since before the pandemic.”

ONGOING STRAINS Tim Gardner, Assistant Director of Policy at the Health Foundation, said: ‘Today’s report shows that the ongoing strains on NHS and social care services are driving unfair and unacceptable waits for care. While these pressures touch every part of England, the CQC highlights growing inequalities. In social care, new data also show that fewer people accessed long term support in 2022 than in 2015, despite growing demand.

‘Log-term underfunding and chronic staffing shortages across health and social care mean that many people are going without the care they need. Those who can afford to are increasingly turning to private care while others are having to rely on family and friends. Unpaid carers are now spending longer caring for loved ones, potentially widening inequalities as those who provide the highest levels of unpaid care are more likely to come from lower-income households.

‘Given that public support for government policies on the NHS and social care is low, this report should be a wake-up call for policymakers. As we head towards the next general election, the main political parties must set out concrete plans for addressing the underlying causes of these pressures – including investing in and reforming our broken social care system.’

CARE NOT BEING MET Sally Warren, Director of Policy at The King’s Fund said: ‘This comprehensive report reveals the sad reality that the quality of care that patients need and deserve is not being met in many parts of the NHS and social care. The analysis makes it painfully clear that inequality in access to care and in health outcomes is still rife.

‘Public satisfaction with the NHS is at a record low. Despite this, and despite signs that some people are paying for care out of their own pocket while others simply go without, public support for the founding principle of services being free at the point of use remains rock solid.

History has shown us that a slow slide towards a two-tier health service can be avoided through a concerted effort to bring down NHS waiting lists, led and funded by government.

‘The challenges in social care are in many ways more acute. More people are requesting social care support but fewer people are getting it, local authorities can’t afford to pay providers for the quality services that are required, and public satisfaction has slumped to desperately low levels. The current model of social care in England is not fit for purpose and reform is long overdue.

‘The report shows the multiple crises the government will have to address if it wants to get health and care services back on track.

Achieving that will require bold action to prevent illness, measures to make health and care a more attractive career, and bolstering out of hospital care such as GP, community and social care service.

‘The report also highlights key areas where leaders across the NHS need to take action to ensure an equitable, fair and compassionate culture across their local teams, organisations and systems. Examples stretching from racial stereotypes in maternity care, or inappropriately restraining patients in mental health settings, shows that leaders have work to do to create a culture focused on ensuring teams are enabled to treat all patients with care, compassion, dignity and fairness.’

GRIDLOCK Professor Martin Green OBE, Chief Executive of Care England, says: “The ‘gridlock’ which characterised the health and social care system last year has been aggravated by new pressures for care, including inflation, the cost of living and ongoing challenges with the workforce.

“Despite 70,000 new international workers in the care sector across 2022 – 2023, resulting in a net reduction of 13,000 vacancies, we have lost 57,000 domestic workers. This is not sustainable. Without central Government intervention, we may not be looking at gridlock next year, but a total impasse.”

NATIONAL CARE SERVICE The ICG is campaigning for the merging of NHS healthcare and social care to create a National Care Service. It argues that money saved by supporting social care and keeping people out of hospital would help fund improvements to the social care system. Social care needs a minimum of £7bn extra a year just to keep pace and the sector is desperate for help to properly reward its workforce and tackle the ongoing staff shortages.

“Money saved from unnecessary hospital care can be switched to properly fund social care and to meeting current and future demand, so the cost to the public purse might not be as high as people are fearing,” Mr Padgham added.

“We cannot wait, even until a General Election, for reform to begin.

The warning is there: we are slipping towards a two-tier system, more and more people are living without care, providers are closing and people are still having to sell their homes to pay for care.

“The case for reform is now overwhelming, we need our politicians to be brave and get on with it.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 11

Over Half Of Local Authorities In England Failing To Meet National Dementia Diagnosis Ambition Over 50% of local authorities in England are falling short of the national dementia diagnosis target leaving hundreds of thousands without a vital dementia diagnosis.

This comes as an inquiry from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Dementia revealed where you live has a ‘massive impact’ on whether you will get a timely, accurate and high-quality dementia diagnosis.

The group of cross-party MPs, alongside dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society, is calling for a levelling up of diagnosis rates – as well as an urgent improvement in the speed and accuracy of dementia diagnosis, particularly in rural and ethnically-diverse areas.

For example, in Swindon, one of the lowest performing areas with a rate of 49.7%, 766 people are missing out on a diagnosis.

Although dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, over 250,000 people with dementia in England are estimated to be living without a diagnosis, 1 unable to unlock vital treatments, care and support.

While there is currently no cure, there are treatments available, and new drugs coming down the line which could delay progression of the condition. However, future drugs will require people to get a diagnosis of the disease causing dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, but latest data shows that Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia are still under-diagnosed compared to known prevalence rates.

This month’s NHS figures show over a 40-percentage point difference in diagnosis rates between the highest and lowest areas in England 1. The inquiry, led by Labour MP Debbie Abrahams and Conservative Peer Baroness Angela Browning, reveals a complex picture of why there is such a disparity, and calls for better data to understand how factors including the availability of brain scanners, transport access, deprivation, rurality and ethnicity are playing a part.

The report , which includes findings from a survey of over 2,100 people affected by dementia in England, suggests transport is a major barrier to diagnosis. One in four people reported being unable to make appointments because of travel problems, with 78% relying on other people for transport. To combat this, the report proposes that every Integrated Care System (ICS) in England increases service provision to ensure that people can get a diagnosis closer to home.

Ethnicity was also shown to impact the chance of someone getting a timely dementia diagnosis, with people struggling to access diagnostic assessments in their own language, and with cultural references relevant to them, alongside stigma in communities stopping people com-

ing forward with symptoms.

Dr Karan Jutlla, Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and Dementia Lead for the University of Wolverhampton, who gave evidence at the inquiry, said: “When we’re trying to understand the challenges ethnic communities face getting a dementia diagnosis, we need to look behind the headline figures. Wolverhampton has a relatively high dementia diagnosis rate, but this is disguising challenges of the 35.5% of the population who are from ethnic communities.

“From my work I know very, very, very few people from these communities are presenting themselves to services. To be able to quantify this we need to start recording the ethnicity of people who do come forward.”

The inquiry calls for urgent action to reach ethnically diverse communities, and take lessons from areas where community engagement has driven up rates. In Leeds the Touchstone BME dementia service reaches out through community and faith groups, raising awareness of dementia in different languages.

Encouragingly, the inquiry found that ICSs with the right healthcare systems in place can overcome factors like deprivation and rurality. For instance, in rural Somerset, which has traditionally had low dementia diagnosis rates, there has been a 30% increase in referrals per month since a new service was adopted last year, doubling the number of Dementia Support Workers in the county.

Also encouragingly the local health service in Swindon has recently committed to increasing rates through improving capacity in memory assessment services, including building ‘Rapid Assessment Diagnosis’ clinics.

APPG on Dementia co-chair Debbie Abrahams MP, who led the inquiry alongside Conservative Peer Baroness Browning, said: “All of the evidence shows that timely diagnosis is crucial for people with dementia, particularly in increasing access to drugs like donanemab, a new potential treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease.

“But this report shows that at the moment diagnosis rates are simply a postcode lottery.

“It could not be more clear now that we need Integrated Care Boards to introduce strategic local plans to increase access to diagnostic services. Likewise, the Government must significantly increase scanning capacity and workforce.”

Fiona Carragher, Director of Research and Influencing at Alzheimer’s Society said: “Dementia is a devastating disease, and delays in diagnosis can lead to crisis. We know 1 in 4 people with dementia battle symptoms for over two years before seeking a diagnosis, and a third of these people have an accident before looking for help.

“This inquiry lays bare the stark inequalities that still exist in getting a diagnosis – it’s unacceptable that your postcode, your mobility, or your support network can all be factors determining your chance of getting the diagnosis you deserve. Today hundreds of thousands of people are facing dementia alone, unable to access the vital help and support that a diagnosis can bring.

“Breakthrough drugs like lecanemab and donanemab are coming round the corner, and everyone should have equal access if the drugs reach the clinic. This means giving people a timely, accurate and specific diagnosis of which type of dementia they have – so we can get drugs to the people who are able to benefit, and fast.

“Today’s report shows pockets of excellence in diagnosis, and areas bucking the trend through innovation. Improvement is possible, but we need more tailored services across the country, and better local planning by Integrated Care Systems to help bridge the gap and reach underserved communities.

“There’s more to understand in terms of why diagnosis rates vary so dramatically – Alzheimer’s Society is calling on the Government and NHS to gather the data that’s needed to find the root cause of these inequalities across the country.”

PAGE 12 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

Bed Bugs In Care Homes

By Sophie Thorogood, technical training manager at Pelsis Group (www.pelsis.com)

Bed bugs are one of the most-feared pests to be found in care homes. This is because due to the nature of a care home, bed bugs can spread quickly causing an infestation that could have a significant negative impact.

WHAT ARE BED BUGS Bed bugs are very small but not as most believe invisible to the naked eye, so you will be able to spot them. The most difficult part is that they like to hide away from light and are nocturnal so they can be difficult to find.

A typical bed bug is round, brown and 5-7mm in size. These are the adults, but you may also see lighter coloured and small individuals which are the growing stages.

Apart from seeing the bed bugs you may also see their faeces. This is usually brown to black and is small spots – it is most visible on lighter surfaces like mattresses and around wall sockets but can be present on the headboard of the bed or bedside furniture.

GOOD PASSENGERS

Bed bugs are good passengers as they will cling to clothing, suitcases, books and furniture as modes of transport. With staff and residents moving from room to room, the likelihood of bed bugs being transported is very high.

They can spread rapidly room to room via migration in search of a blood meal or spread inadvertently via a bed linen trolley which may be going from room to room.

MANAGING A BED BUG INFESTATION The best course of action is always to seek a professional pest technician. Bed bugs can quickly build in number and pest technicians will have access to tools and insecticides that will be able to eliminate them quicker.

However, there are a number of steps you can take which do not involve a professional pest technician.

Staff pest awareness training is vital. Ensuring your staff are aware of the signs of bed bugs and preventative measures to guard against them is key.

These preventative measures include vacuuming and washing clothing or bedding that has been brought in with new residents. Washing materials at 60OC will kill all life stages of insect. Areas often missed when vacuuming include the edges of carpets, under beds or heavy furniture and the seams of fabrics in armchairs, mattresses and fabric-style headboards, which are good hiding spots for bed bugs.

You can also use steam on the mattress or dry cleaning to get to thermally kill the bed bugs.

In the Pink as Care Home Residents Do Their Bit to Help End Breast Cancer Residents and team members at Colten Care homes have united in a colourful display of solidarity to raise awareness of breast cancer and help fund research into the disease.

Homes in Dorset and the New Forest staged a host of activities and events for the Wear It Pink campaign run nationally each year by charity Breast Cancer Now. Residents at Court Lodge in Lymington, Kingfishers in New Milton and Amberwood House in Ferndown were among those dressing up in pink and having fun with hands-on fundraising games and get-togethers.

At Court Lodge, Home Manager Rebecca Hannam and Healthcare Assistant Eddie Brion bravely volunteered to stand outside ‘in the stocks’ and have wet sponges thrown at them.

One resident, Jack Harris, felt so sorry for them he insisted on being a target himself.

“Actually I very much enjoyed it,” said Jack. “It’s for a good cause and it was only fair to join in.”

Companionship Team Leader Julia Puia said: “It was a very fun and wet afternoon. We had a great time with lots of laughter. Everyone paid a pound a time to pick up and throw a soggy sponge. Residents enjoyed the activity and seeing Jack volunteer to take part was the best thing.”

Pink-themed goings on at Kingfishers in New Milton included an afternoon party, raffle and information session complemented by a foot-tapping country music singalong led by visiting entertainer Retro Rita.

Resident Jack Phillips said: “I enjoyed the music so much, it really made me want to dance.”

As well as holding a day of games and quizzes, residents at Amberwood House in Ferndown supported Wear it Pink by knitting pink ribbons to sell to friends and family.

Hundreds of pounds have been raised across the homes. Donations are still being collected ahead of a total amount being confirmed.

Breast Cancer Now funds life-changing support for cancer sufferers and research into new ways to help prevent, detect and treat the disease.

The charity has an ambition that by 2050 everyone diagnosed with breast cancer will live, and be supported to live well.

Wear it Pink has been the flagship annual fundraising campaign for Breast Cancer Now for more than 20 years.

For more information, visit www.breastcancernow.org

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 13

LGA Outlines “Intense Financial Pressure” In Letter to Chancellor Despite welcoming additional funding announced in the 2022 Autumn Statement and 2023/24 Local Government Finance Settlement councils are still under intense financial pressure, with councils facing ongoing inflationary and pay pressures alongside spiking demand and market challenges in areas such as children’s social care and temporary accommodation the Local Government Association (LGA) has warned.

The Letter highlights recent spikes in inflation, the National Living Wage and energy costs have placed substantial pressure on council finances.

Their analysis shows that by 2024/25 cost and demand pressures will have added £15 billion (28.6 per cent) to the cost of delivering council services since 2021/22. Local government received additional funding in 2023/24 and there is a commitment to a further uplift in 2024/25.

The letter adds that despite this the LGA estimated in July that councils were facing funding gaps of £2.0 billion in 2023/24 and £900 million in 2024/25. But following an updated inflation forecast from the Bank of England in August the analysis now shows funding gaps of £2.4 billion in 2023/24 and £1.6 billion in 2024/25. These gaps relate solely to the funding needed to maintain services at their current levels. The implication here is that councils do not have enough funding simply to stand still.

Welcoming the LGA submission, Professor Martin Green, chief executive of Care England, said: “Standing

still is not an option for the adult social care sector. We need to move towards future-proofing our sector in light of growing demand and years of historic underfunding. At present, care providers are bearing the brunt of these implications. Although the call for the government to invest more money into local government is a simplistic one, it is the only answer to these mounting pressures.”

The number of people waiting for a care assessment, a care review of for their support or direct payment to start stood at over 430,000 as of March 2023, including over 80,000 people who have been waiting over six months with a 17% shift to unpaid carers between 2011 and 2021 being driven by people with high needs who would have in the past accessed care services.

In its letter, the LGA called on the government to ensure that all councils have sufficient funding to deliver their 2023/24 budgets, set balanced budgets for 2024/25 and develop medium-term financial strategies that are not characterised by substantial funding gaps.

The LGA also called for a “renewed focus on prevention to address existing and future demand for services such as social care, homelessness support and community safety”.

The letter can be seen at https://tinyurl.com/z24pp9mb

Homes Together Kick Off Partnership with Harrogate Town AFC Junior Supporters Club Homes Together, providers of care for disabled people in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and Gateshead, has announced their partnership with football league club Harrogate Town AFC. The sponsorship sees Homes Together sponsor the Junior Supporters Club, and help breed the next generation of Harrogate Town AFC fans.

David Ashton-Jones, Chief Executive at Homes Together, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Homes Together to support a local club that is so important to the people of Harrogate. Supporting the communities that our homes reside in is a top priority for us, and we’re fully on board with Harrogate Town’s goal to grow the next generation of fans.”

As part of the sponsorship, eight season tickets will extend to both service users and carers across their thirteen homes to provide them with an inclusive experience. Homes Together is already the lead sponsor for professional Rugby League club Leigh Leopards, and Ashton-Jones hopes that the sponsorship and subsequent season tickets will provide more opportunities for Homes Together’s service users be in the community as

much as possible and enjoy live sport.

David Ashton-Jones continues: “Our service users have taken a lot of enjoyment over the past two seasons by watching Leigh Leopards. It’s great that we’re now able to take them to a much more local sports club, and that we’re always playing an active part in supporting the community through our attendance at games.”

Joanna Towler, Commercial Director at Harrogate Town F.C., said “The take up for the Junior Supporters Club has been astounding. Engaging with our younger fans in a fun and interactive way to enhance their experience with the club is key as we grow our next generation of Harrogate Town fans.

Homes Together are the ideal partner as we both continue our journey to serve Harrogate communities. We are grateful for their valued support on our mission.”

Homes Together is passionate about highlighting the strength of disability. It is working to promote positive relationships between physical activity and the opportunities it can give to disabled people.

PAGE 14 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

Freedom to Speak Up Month: Why I Felt Compelled to Do Something The manager of a school for young people who have been admitted into hospital due to their mental health has spoken about why she felt compelled to become an ambassador for speaking up and create an open environment where people felt safe and encouraged to air concerns.

October 2023 is the sixth annual Speak Up Month, which is led by the National Guardian’s office and provides an opportunity to raise awareness and highlight the difference which Freedom to Speak Up is making.

At Cygnet Group, an independent provider of services for individuals with mental health needs, learning disabilities and autism, there are more than 180 Freedom to Speak Up ambassadors across its 150+ health and social care services. They take responsibility for ensuring a culture where staff feel empowered and able to raise concerns is embedded across the organisation.

One of those ambassadors is Jayne Rowlands, the manager of Excel & Exceed, the school based within Cygnet Hospital Bury which serves four Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services wards.

On why she chose to be an Ambassador, she said: “For me it was about doing something that could make a difference and drive change.

“Too often we hear ‘rumblings’ about things people are not happy about or things they think are not working in the best way. All too often no action was taken and I felt this was often driven by a fear of speaking out. The small stuff was quickly becoming the big stuff if it wasn’t dealt with.”

Jayne said that whilst staff are generally confident in reporting safeguarding issues, often lower level concerns were going unreported.

She explained: “When I have heard people complaining and questioned whether they have raised it, the response would often be ‘what is the point?’ or ‘I’m worried it will affect my relationship with my manager.’

“From my perspective it is about saying there is a point, and change is driven from the bottom up. Being an Ambassador meant I would be

able to get the message out there that it is a positive not a negative; that it is safe and non-judgemental and ultimately it is for the greater good for service users and for employees.”

The theme for Speak Up Month 2023 is ‘breaking barriers’, raising awareness of some of the issues which can prevent people from speaking up and exploring how these can be broken down to foster an inclusive culture for all.

On the skills needed to be an effective ambassador, Jayne commented: “It is important to have no preconceptions and to view the situation with a beginner’s mind-set.

“What is vital though is how I make the person feel. I cannot expect people to speak up if they don’t trust me or the process and crucial to this is providing a safe space to speak; ensuring the person knows their conversation will be treated confidentiality; that they will retain autono-

my and consent sought before sharing any information with the Guardian (with the caveat of safeguarding).

“There may be sensitive or contentious issues discussed and it is imperative that I remain impartial and emotionally detached to be able to fully support the person and deal with the concern effectively. No bias or judgement at any point.”

Like all Freedom to Speak Up ambassadors at Cygnet Group, Jayne received full training on what the barriers to open conversations may be and how to overcome these.

“Since taking on the role I have been approached by several members of staff for a variety of reasons,” she added.

“Dealing with relatively small issues at a local level means that we don’t have a bigger issue to deal with later down the line.

“I feel the impact of this upon patient and staff wellbeing cannot be underestimated. Better staff wellbeing ultimately leads to better staff care.”

One incident Jayne dealt with concerned a member of staff who was repeatedly mis-gendering a service user despite reminders from colleagues and other professionals. The matter was dealt with and the outcome was positive. Yet from there, further improvements were able to be embedded at the service.

Jayne explained: “Reflecting upon this incident of speaking up resulted in myself and the school thinking about how we could support in ensuring a better understanding of LGBTQ+ and the negative impact of using the wrong gender/pronouns/names upon mental health.

“We worked with students in school to create training which was delivered to both students and support staff. This training looked at unconscious bias and the need to challenge this and it is envisaged that giving people a better understanding will improve outcomes for service users and create more inclusive working environments for our staff.

“All of this transpired from one conversation whereby a member of staff felt confident enough to trust our process and to speak up.”

Renaissance Care’s Outstanding Achievement In Catering Recognised Renaissance Care’s ‘Blend it like Beckham’ master chef, Stuart Middleton, has been named Catering Manager of the Year at the National Association of Care Catering (NACC) awards.

Stuart hit the headlines earlier this year when he revealed his innovative approach to care catering came from his vast experience in the commercial sector, which included cooking for former Manchester United hero David Beckham on the night the football icon launched his now famous Haig Whisky.

Since returning to the care sector, Stuart has continued to develop his approach to nutrition and catering, and the award from the NACC recognises the chef’s remarkable dedication to enhancing the lives of Renaissance Care residents through exceptional dining experiences.

Stuart said: “I am absolutely thrilled and humbled to receive the Catering Manager of the Year Award from the NACC. It is both a professional and personal milestone for me.

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our entire team at Renaissance Care to ensuring our residents receive the highest quality dining experience. Our approach to nutrition isn't just about nourishment; it's about enjoyment and enhancing the overall well-being and happiness of our residents.

“I am honoured to be a part of an organisation that places such a strong emphasis on the importance of good food and dining for our residents.”

The National Association of Care Catering (NACC) recognises professionals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to excellence in care catering, and Stuart and his team have truly set the bar high.

With a deep passion for providing residents with delicious, nutritious meals that can be enjoyed by all, Stuart has played a pivotal role in transforming mealtime experiences across Renaissance Care’s facilities.

From seasonal menus selected through “Meal or No Meal” tasting sessions with residents, to creative approaches to reconstituting food that residents living with dementia or dysphagia conditions would otherwise be unable to eat, Stuart and the team have implemented innovative dining programs that cater to residents' diverse tastes and dietary needs, ensuring that every meal is a delightful and nourishing experience.

Yvonne Richardson, Operations Director at Renaissance Care, said: “We are extremely proud of Stuart’s outstanding accomplishment.

“This award not only acknowledges the vision for developing dining standards within Renaissance Care but recognises the positive contribution and dedication Stuart, and the wider catering team, have shown for providing the best possible care to our residents.”

Homes Can Offer Hearing Access To All With Contacta’s New RX-30 Rechargeable Loop Listener Assistive listening specialists, Contacta Systems, have launched a new rechargeable loop listener, offering care home residents enhanced access to sound.

The RX-30 is a complete wireless receiver, designed to help people with hearing loss who don’t use a hearing aid or cochlear implant.

The pocket-sized rechargeable receiver picks up signals transmitted by existing hearing loop systems, fitted in communal spaces in care homes across the UK. The new RX-30 features a bass cut filter, flat frequency response and adjustable volume control, and comes with headphones, enabling users to access clear sound comfortably and easily.

Created by Contacta’s in-house design team, the RX-30 offers up to 50 hours of battery life and comes with a range of charging options, with base stations to accommodate one, five, 10, 15 or 20 receivers.

“The RX-30 means any home that has a large area hearing loop can offer clear sound to residents who struggle to hear,” says Contacta’s Head of New Business Development, Ran Meyrav.

“An estimated 75% of people in care homes have some form of hearing loss but a number of those don’t use a hearing aid. The RX-30 bridges the gap. It delivers speech or music from a microphone, via the hearing loop, to the RX-30’s headphones or any with a 3.5mm jack. There is no latency, and the product suppresses both background noises and low frequency hums. It removes the effort of trying to hear, making entertainment more accessible.”

Being rechargeable is a unique feature of the RX-30, which is currently available to order.

“We designed it as a rechargeable unit following demand from our customer base. Its unique charging mechanism prevents accidental charging of any standard batteries.

“Having a drop-in charging station has cut out the need for cables and means the units are all in one place and easily located when customers request them.

“This receiver gives greater flexibility for both the home and its residents.”

Full details about the RX-30 can be found here: www.contacta.co.uk/products/large-area-loops/rx30-loop-listener/

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 15

Social Care Leaders Lambast Successive Governments For Continual Social Care

Speaking at the recent Care Show at Birmingham’s NEC, several of the country’s most prominent luminaries took aim at successive governments for their continued social care failings.

Dr. Jane Townson, chief executive of the Home Care Association said to the podcasts host, Suhail Mirza: “There remain many problems to solve. And unfortunately, there appears to be little political will to do so because they know that the public is obsessed with the NHS. So that’s all they talk about. And I guess politically, social care has caused trouble for certain prime ministers in the past, so they are nervous about talking about it.”

Her comments come in light of a Carenomics report from September 2023, whereby it calls on the government to see the sector as an investment opportunity and not a cost. It states that the government needs to unlock the economic potential of social care’s 50 billion gross value add to the economy and the 2 million people working in the sector.

Jane goes onto say “…social care, as it stands, is about twice the size of agriculture and bigger than some other well-known sectors. So, I think maybe we’re missing a trick by not advocating it in that way….

Politically, the only way that that can be addressed is by somehow raising taxation. And that isn’t what many people want….and I think that an honest conversation with the British public, if you want better public services, you’ve got to pay for it. You can’t have… Scandinavian style health and care services on Singapore tax levels.”

Jane Townson was not the only guest of the podcast to point many of the sectors failings in the direction of the government with Richard Ayers, social care adviser at Care England saying: “The sector has been working collaboratively for many years, trying to influence policy and lobby both government and local authorities for more money.”

A report from the Care Provider Alliance recently pointed to a fund-

ing shortfall of over £1.5 billion for 2022/2023. But since then, inflationary pressures have likely pushed that figure north of £2billion.

Richard says: “…local authorities have underestimated the cost of care. We need to really understand what the shortfall is. The high period of inflation has, with energy costs, interest rates and food costs, had a very detrimental impact on the sector.”

Richard calls for a rethink and a new way of doing things: “There are only so many more efficiencies the sector can implement to try and reduce costs further and there are some marginal gains we can make.

Whoever the new government is, we need a 5 year plan. We call on that government to apply zero VAT for welfare services within its first 100 days…which we estimate would put at least £350 million into the sector and the emerging ICBs can help here and look at how VAT is structured.”

The evolving pressures around ESG, social, governance and reporting are also having a significant impact on the sector. Richard states that the 68% reduction in emissions by 2030 and then 78% by 2035, the pressure to digitally transform operations is not possible within existing funding levels.

“We need more funding injected into the sector to be able to set the sector up for the future. Because we’ve got an ageing population, we need 500,000 new care workers in the next ten, 20 years. We’ve got a long, hard road ahead of us, so we need to make sure we’re looking at the future cost of care, not what it was in the past.

Richard calls on the government to professionalise the workforce, to rethink how we position it as a real career opportunity and recognise the valuable role carers provide in society, on par with the same role and value the NHS delivers and “they need to be renumerated appropriately.”

“The care sector has been ‘done to’ by local authorities, central gov-

ernment and the NHS for many, many years… needs a seat at the top table to help influence and direct policy in a way which is going to help recruit and retain individuals. We’ve had 70,000 people come from overseas in the last 12 months to plug our recruitment deficit. But if you think that we’ve only reduced the deficit by about 13,000, that means a shortfall of 57,000.

We’ve got a domestic workforce problem, we have to do something differently. The international workforce has saved our NHS in the past.

They will absolutely no doubt help save the adult social care sector but not in isolation, not least because solely relying on an international workforce causes challenges in the countries from which they come, we can’t just steal their workforce, we must address the domestic workforce problems the sector faces.”

Stephen Pattrick, co-founder and CEO of Newcross Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest technology enabled workforce solutions provider comments: “In the Voices of Care podcast series, you’ve engaged with highly knowledgeable individuals, and the consensus in their messages has been unmistakable. As we approach an upcoming election, it is crucial to hear concrete plans from political parties, the government, and politicians regarding their strategies to address this sector’s challenges. Thus far, what we’ve predominantly encountered is a lot of empty rhetoric.”

Suhail Mirza, host of the Voices of Care Podcast, comments: “What will it take to listen to these almost perennial concerns about the state of the adult social care sector, described as ‘extremely precarious’ by Care England’s Care for our Future report published in September 2023? A humane government should be addressing this before this becomes, in the words of Professor Martin Green OBE – the CEO of Care England -who provided comments on the recent CQC State of Care report, a “total impasse”.”

New Garden Project Opened at Connell Court Southport Southport Care Home Connell Court in Birkdale were delighted to Welcome Dennis Madden and Chris Newsome from Oneplan Software of Southport to open the new garden project The day was full of sunshine and merriment with live music from Uke-teers ukelele band. Home manager Anna Harvey said once again Cathy Rothwell our dedicated activities coordinator has smashed it by organising an amazing day for our residents, families and staff.

Oneplan software have been extremely generous and donated a large sum of money to the project as well as offering to paint the surrounding handrails at no cost to the home, we are very lucky to have had this donation which is hugely beneficial to enabling our residents to live later life well.

Everyone enjoyed the music and lovely cream tea provided by our catering staff.

MHA are celebrating their 80th Anniversary this year as a not for profit charitable organisation.

PAGE 16 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

Navigating the Public Sector Staffing Crisis: A Call for Sustainable Solutions

By Chris Hornung, Managing Director of Public Sector at Totalmobile (www.totalmobile.co.uk) In the realm of public services, a pressing issue has loomed large for some time, but now, in a landscape of industrial action and troubled local authorities, it's time to make meaningful changes.

In recent years, the public sector has found itself entrenched in what some describe as a staffing cri-sis - a situation where the demand for services consistently outpaces the available workforce, result-ing in a detrimental impact on both service quality and morale among public sector employees. This challenge has been further exacerbated by recruitment issues, creating what seems like a never-ending cycle of woes.

A recent report by the House of Lords Services Committee aptly labelled this situation as a "vicious circle," highlighting the issues at hand. Although these challenges are fixable, the present efforts to tackle them are limited in scope and do not match the severity of the crisis. In fact, The Lancet goes as far to say, that the UK's health and social care sectors are now "facing the greatest workforce cri-sis in their history". In addition, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported earlier this year that disputes over working conditions have resulted in the loss of almost 4 million working days in the past 11 months, affecting many sectors, including NHS, rail and Royal Mail workers, and civil servants, making it the most severe impact since 1989.

The report's recommendations offer a roadmap, if implemented effectively, that could signal a sub-stantial transformation and secure a more sustainable future for the public services workforce. Let's delve into some of the report's recommendations:

• DATA-DRIVEN UNDERSTANDING In order to comprehend the full scope of the problem, government agencies must use data to gain insight into the nature and extent of the issues. By collecting and sharing real-time workforce data, government bodies and agencies can gain unprecedented visibility of all aspects of service delivery - ensuring key information is available at the right time to empower staff to make informed decisions and allocate resources more efficiently. This is echoed by a recent national report that stated the current provisions meant staff could not access a comprehensive view of the workforce, resulting in silos and a lack of collaborative working.

• EMPOWERING INNOVATION Empowering the existing workforce and exploring imaginative deployment strategies can be a real gamechanger in creating flexible shift patterns that not only align with business needs but employees' changing circumstance. To maximise the potential of current staff, a fresh perspective on deployment is crucial.

Exploring imaginative avenues for their deployment can help mitigate shortages, increase productivity and even see a return on investment. This approach not only maximises the potential of existing employees but also incorporates new perspectives into the provision of services, improves work-life balance, and contributes to greater job satisfaction and lower rates of turnover.

• USER-CENTRIC SERVICES Public services should be designed with the end-users in mind. To truly make services work for users, meaningful consultation can lead to solutions that better meet their needs, resulting in more efficient and effective services. In doing so, it can also reduce service expenditures and the strain on an already overwhelmed workforce. Public sector entities must actively engage with their communities to better align services with actual needs and preferences.

• LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY In an era of rapid technological advancement, A.I and machine learning, the smart use of technology can significantly enhance the productivity and information flow within public sector organisations. Leveraging technology for informed decision-making can help ease staffing pressures, but its use seems yet to be fully realised.

• PREVENTATIVE FOCUS Shifting the focus toward preventative services can curtail the demand for reactive interventions. The Royal College of General Practitioners states that there are 250,000 vacant posts across the NHS and social care sectors alone, with primary health care providers having been hit the hardest, soaking up additional demands from shortfalls across the sector. Adopting proactive measures early can often prevent issues from escalating and reduce the strain on public sector colleagues.

• TRAINING FOR RETENTION Broadening skills that can be used in multiple careers can increase job satisfaction and retention rates.

According to a study by Nuffield Trust, additional education and training played a significant role in the departure of employees from public sector jobs. By rethinking development programs, skills can be acknowledged and put to good use across a range of public sector occupations. Middle leaders can maximise their time for mentoring, personal development, and caring for staff by utilising smart technologies to reduce administrative workloads.

FINAL THOUGHTS It's clear the key to success lies in the swift and comprehensive adoption of these recommendations across the public sector landscape. The staffing crisis is a multifaceted challenge that requires a holistic solution. If implemented on the required level, the committee's recommendations can trigger real and meaningful change. The onus now falls on public sector leaders, with the support of innovative solutions, who must lead the way to a more sustainable future for the dedicated workforce and the communities they serve.

Royal Star & Garter’s Director of Care Departs On Award-Winning High Royal Star & Garter’s Director of Care has received a prestigious national award, as she prepares to leave the charity after 22 years.

Pauline Shaw OBE was awarded the Chief Nurse Adult Social Care Gold Award during farewell drinks at the Royal Air Force Club in London on 19 October.

Professor Deborah Sturdy CBE, the Chief Nurse for Adult Social Care for England, was there in person to surprise Pauline with the award, which is in recognition of her outstanding achievements at Royal Star & Garter, and distinguished career in nursing and social care.

Royal Star & Garter provides loving, compassionate care to veterans and their partners living with disability or dementia, with Homes in Solihull, Surbiton and High Wycombe and services reaching out into the community.

Pauline joined the charity in April 2001, and helped transform it into one of the best care home providers in the country.

Under her guidance, the charity has revolutionised care for people living with dementia, leading to national awards and recognition.

Pauline also oversaw the move from the charity’s historic but outdated Richmond Home to three new state-of-the-art Homes, and in 2018 received an OBE from Queen Elizabeth II for services to veterans.

Through her networking, the charity participated in the pilot of the Nursing Associate programme, with Pauline ensuring the voice of social care was included, and she has championed learning opportunities in the Homes for military and civilian nursing students.

Professor Sturdy praised Pauline’s work and impact in adult social care. She said: “I am delighted to give Pauline the Chief Nurse Gold Award for her exceptional contribution to adult social care nursing.

Pauline has been a pioneer of practice development and dedication in the field. She has been an inspiring leader to many, not only at Royal Star & Garter, but across the sector.”

Pauline said: “It is such an honour to receive this award. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to develop outstanding nursing and dementia care in the sector.”

Pauline qualified as a Nurse in 1982 and worked in the NHS. She

joined Royal Star & Garter shortly after returning from New Zealand, where she lived and nursed for 12 years. Under Pauline’s leadership, Royal Star & Garter’s Solihull and High Wycombe Homes have received Outstanding CQC inspections, while the Surbiton Home is rated Outstanding for care.

Looking back on her Royal Star & Garter career, Pauline said: “I’ve been part of an innovative, forward-thinking organisation striving to provide the best quality care and put residents at the centre of what we do. I’ll miss the people and the sense of community that is central to the Royal Star & Garter family. I’ll miss chatting to the residents and being a part of their lives. We are a charity that continues to evolve and flourish. We are determined in what we do and how we positively impact people’s lives. I am confident the quality of care, delivered through our values, is in good hands.”

Royal Star & Garter Chief Executive Andy Cole paid tribute to Pauline. He said: “Pauline has transformed the care we provide to veterans and their partners during her more than two decades with us.

We are fortunate to have benefitted from her passion and dedication for such a long time. Pauline will be missed by residents and staff in our Homes but this award from Professor Deborah Sturdy is worthy recognition for all she has achieved. We are determined to build upon her good work, and continue to do her proud.”

Pauline will leave Royal Star & Garter on Thursday, 26 October, with Shirley Hall named as the charity’s new Director of Care & Wellbeing.

Care Home Finances Are Complicated: Here’s How To Save Time And Get Them Under Control The finances of a care home group can get very complicated. Some of the headaches include: • The group uses different accounting software and the systems don’t speak to each other.

• A resident can be funded from several sources, such as the NHS, an insurer and multiple relatives.

• Bills might need to be split across multiple homes, legal entities and residents.

• Funds received need to be restricted to a certain use.

• Different care homes have their own systems for purchasing, invoicing and payment runs.

All this leaves your staff bogged down in repetitive, often manual and frustrating work The right accounting software can simplify all this, automate the tasks that take up time and give you a clear and accurate picture of the busi-

ness’s finances.

A single source of truth iplicit's accounting software offers a “single source of truth” – one central system which gives you a complete picture and with an intuitive and user-friendly interface. iplicit frees up staff time and provides better information by: • Handling intercompany transactions, so transactions are correctly allocated to the correct entity.

• Smoothly consolidating the accounts, without lots of manual intervention.

• Easy visibility, enabling you to switch from a group overview to a detailed look at any site, legal entity or transaction.

• Ensuring users in any entity or site can access only the parts of the system relevant to them.

• Each resident has a unique identifier, so it’s easy to track where funding has come from and where it has been spent.

• Easy tracking and reporting when funding is restricted for specified purposes.

• Integrated document storage, with invoices and purchase orders stored alongside the relevant line item.

• Simple approval workflows so spending decisions can be made promptly and are properly recorded.

• Improved cost control and forecasting.

• Easy integration with other software in use in the company.

Efficiencies such as these eliminate many hours of chasing paperwork, rekeying data and manipulating figures in spreadsheets. iplicit’s software puts accurate, real-time data into the hands of managers. You can always see what’s going on across the business without having to wait for hard-pressed staff to finish a laborious month-end close.

Find out more about iplicit, visit www.iplicit.com/who-we-help/care-homes or email info@iplicit.com

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 17

PAGE 18 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

Nutrition for Later Life The food served within the care sector should be carefully considered as the right nutrients may help residents maintain a healthy mind and body.

Contrary to popular belief, nutrient requirements increase, not decrease, as we age, so it becomes even more important to eat nourishing meals. Based on the latest scientific evidence, older individuals may benefit from additional protein and higher levels of select nutrients such as calcium and Vitamin D. Meeting those needs can be especially challenging if we consider that appetite tends to decrease as we age.

By leading with a food-first approach and focusing on nutrient density, those within the care sector can provide nourishing meals that may replenish nutrient stores. It's a more mindful approach designed to improve the wellbeing of residents living in care.

KYN, which is an innovator in later life care, has worked with BANT registered Nutritionist Eva Humphries and top chef Tristan Welch to design nourishing menus at its home KYN BICKLEY. The meals have been designed to be invigorating and stimulating for older people in particular, with quality and nutrition at the heart. This includes prioritising nutrients over calories and focusing on well-balanced meals made from high-quality, fresh ingredients. Here, Eva and Tristian share some of the top things they considered when designing the menu for KYN, to ensure it is as beneficial and enjoyable for residents as possible:

KEY INGREDIENTS Protein plays a crucial role in maintaining muscle mass, a variable for frailty which becomes more pertinent as we age. Consequently, it's essential to incorporate high-quality protein sources, including eggs, poultry, beans and pulses. Game meats like venison are great options in late autumn and winter thanks to their superior nutrient profiles and seasonal abundance. With falling appetites, it may become especially difficult for older individuals to meet their protein needs, so at KYN, it is prioritised at every meal, even making it into desserts via clever ingredient choices.

NOSTALGIA THROUGH FOOD The menu at KYN is designed with nostalgia in mind, working with familiar favourites that may evoke

happy memories and provide comfort. Traditional dishes such as shepherd’s pie, fish and chips and ragu are elevated via cooking techniques and adjusted to include additional nutrients. Tart cases are enhanced with ground seeds to provide more nutrients and protein; soups are served with a swirl of Omega 3-rich oil, and vegetables are included with every savoury meal to improve nutrient density. These small tweaks combined with great cooking techniques ensure nutrients are always present and the meals served are still familiar, nostalgic and taste delicious.

DEMENTIA-SPECIFIC DIET Dementia is a complex condition that requires extra attention and a much more carefully considered approach to food. In its early stages, those living with dementia may forget whether or not they have eaten, which can often lead to an over-reliance on snacks. Considering this, at KYN, Eva and Tristan factored in an all-day dining menu to ensure nourishing meals are always available. In addition, snacks are balanced to contain nutrients, not just empty calories. This is especially pertinent since sugar cravings may contribute to the prevalence of snacking for those living with dementia. In the later stages of this degenerative disease, chewing, swallowing and communication may become more difficult. KYN utilise technology and adjusts meals to fit the needs of residents whilst delivering leading, person-centred care.

BANT registered Nutritionist Eva Humphries comments: “It is refreshing to work alongside an outstanding care provider who champions a proactive approach to food and nutrition.

Rather than adjust menu items at a later stage, I have been involved with the development of the menu from the very beginning. This meant curating a bespoke offering using the latest scientific evidence that may better meet the nutritional needs of older individuals.”

Tristan Welch comments: “We worked on the menu for two years prior to the first KYN care home opening to ensure the food served is healthy, nostalgic and delicious! The menu avoids ultra processed foods where possible, which has the positive effect of replacing empty calories with nutrient rich calories. Recipes are created with a careful balance of fibre and protein and reduces or replaces inflammatory ingredients with nutrients such as leucine and omega 3. As a Michelin star chef, I really value fresh and seasonal food and ensure that the menus change with the season – this also an economic way to make sure the food served is more nutritious.”

To arrange a visit to KYN BICKLEY, or to enquire about availability, please visit www.kyn.co.uk/our-homes/bickley-london or call 020 4530 9700.

Dunluce Healthcare Launches New Training Academy Nursing home operator Dunluce Healthcare has announced the launch of its innovative new career development programme, Dunluce Academy.

With the aim of building long-lasting careers in the healthcare industry, Dunluce Academy will encompass practical training with structural education programmes and mentorship across a range of job roles.

The initiative is spearheaded by Dunluce Healthcare’s Chief Executive, Ryan Smith. He said: "At Dunluce Healthcare, we recognise the importance of providing exceptional care to our residents.

"The Dunluce Academy represents our dedication to investing in the development of our team and providing a nurturing environment that encourages personal growth and professional advancement.

“Our comprehensive approach to learning is what sets us apart, and our

new Academy will allow us to go beyond what most healthcare businesses offer, supporting employee advancement through continuous training, vocational courses, and academic programmes.”

Dr. Kevin Moore, Director of Nursing at Dunluce Healthcare, who has over 40 years’ experience in his field, added: “Dunluce Academy builds on our reputation as an employer that goes the extra mile for its staff, resulting in outstanding care for our residents.

“We are proud to have a compassionate and caring team that helps gives our residents a home away from home, and our shared decision-making approach ensures that everyone’s voices are heard.

“We hope that this structured programme enables our team to create a fruitful and fulfilling career path, one in which we will be beside them every step of the way.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 19

Seal Of Approval For Overseas Recruitment A government delegation has given its seal of approval to a North Yorkshire care provider’s game-changing overseas recruitment programme.

Saint Cecilia’s Care Group has employed 32 staff from India, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Nigeria in the last year.

And officials from the Department of Health and Social Care were impressed when they called in to see how they were settling in and the impact they had made.

Saint Cecilia’s Managing Director, Mike Padgham said: “We were delighted to welcome the DHSC party to our nursing home in Scarborough where they were able to meet a good cross-section of the overseas recruits who have joined the Saint Cecilia’s family over the past year.

“I know they were impressed and following the visit wrote to say that from just a few hours’ visit the sense of shared values, strong connections and genuine love for the profession was so clear from everybody they spoke to.

“And they said it had been a great experience to speak to the international recruits, whose efficient journey to the UK was a ‘huge credit to the dedication and commitment’ from our team.

“This was lovely to hear. We have been bowled over by the impact our overseas recruits have had in such a short time on the care that we can deliver.

“It is no exaggeration to say that we were in dire need of staff to cope with shortages within the sector

and they have literally ensured that, in some cases, we were able to keep on delivering care.

“They’ve made a fantastic difference by strengthening our care and nursing team and helping us to look after our residents. We couldn’t have got through the past year without them.

“But more than that they have brought so much in terms of adding cultural diversity and bringing in new personalities and fresh energy to our care centres.

“Their contribution has been amazing – truly game-changing.”

Earlier this year a party was held at the Group’s Normanby House care home in Scarborough, when the overseas staff brought in food that was native to their home country to share as part of the celebrations.

Saint Cecilia’s overseas nursing recruitment was helped by a groundbreaking partnership with York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Drawing on the previous experience the Trust had in recruiting via these channels saved the care group countless hours and streamlined the process enormously.

A pilot scheme was set up to enable social care providers to access health trust facilities for staff to study for and take their Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), a competency test that is part of the Nursing and Midwifery Council’s (NMC) registration process for nurses and midwives trained outside the UK. This proved a lifeline for Saint Cecilia’s and for the nurses it recruited.

Care Home Achieves Gold Standard Framework

A small home which provides dedicated care for 12 residents is celebrating after joining and achieving the Gold Standards Framework, a registered charity and training provider for generalist frontline staff in caring for people in the last years of life for over 25 years. GSF is a practical and evidence-based end of life care improvement programme.

Stoneleigh care home decided that they wanted to expand their knowledge further and joined the Gold Standards Framework, with a vision to ensure that every person caring for those in their final years of life is trained and accredited to GSF standards to deliver gold standard care.

The aim is to enable a ‘gold standard’ of care for everyone, with any condition, in any setting, given by any care provider, at any time in a person’s last years of life.

The aim is also toe encourage larger organisations and integrated care systems to take a population-based view of end-of-life care, and use GSF to improve whole system care. People in the last stage of their lives the home believes, need a personalised and integrated approach to their care to enable them to live well and die well, and are utilizing health and care systems to proactively identify and actively support all people in their final years of life, maximising community resources, whilst reducing crises and overuse of hospitalisation.

Two members of the care team were nominated to be our end-of-life care coordinators, and attended

hours of webinars, collected evidence, and put together a portfolio to send into the GSF team to be marked. Once they had passed the first stage of the process with the portfolio, Stoneleigh were given a date for a GSF assessor to come and look around our home, speak with residents, relatives and staff. The results then went to panel.

We were delighted to find out that we had passed with a fantastic score of 53 marks out of 60. The score to pass was 48 out of 60. So for our first time we think that our team of dedicated staff had done amazingly.

Not only had the care home passed, but the GSF Chief Operating Officer will be showcasing examples of best practice rom the home to encourage and inspire others.

The GSF Conference and Awards Ceremony was held on 29th September 2023 at The Pendulum Hotel & Conference Centre in Manchester. The Registered Manager of Stoneleigh Home, Dale Greenaway attended along with Senior Carer Rachael Church and Carer Amy Mounsey-Moran, who are both Stoneleigh Homes’ End of Life Care Coordinators, to collect the award.

The day involved listening to guest speakers such as Dr Lis Boulton, Health & Care Policy Manager at Age UK, Felicity Warner, Founder of Soul Midwives and Dr Emma Hodges, Director of Compassionate Communities UK.

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PAGE 20 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

NHS Leaders Facing Impossible Choices On Which Services To Cut Unless Government Provides Urgent Cash Injection NHS leaders in England are facing tough choices on which services to cut unless extra funding is provided by the Government to cover the rising costs of industrial action and other cost pressures.

NHS leaders across hospital and other services in England have told the NHS Confederation that the health service is facing a profound financial crisis due to the ongoing impact of strike action and other factors such as higher drug prices and continuing healthcare costs. Strike action alone is estimated to have already cost the English NHS £1.4 billion and those costs are set to increase with further strikes expected this winter.

Many leaders have told the NHS Confederation that they are already starting to make tough decisions based on the expectation that they will need to cut costs further without rapid clarity and certainty.

This includes having to restrict the number of extra beds that they open this winter to deal with expected higher demand for care. The NHS’ winter plan centres on 5,000 more beds being available, but this is now in jeopardy due to rising deficits across the NHS. With most NHS hospitals running at high bed occupancy levels, this will reduce vital capacity just as the health service enters its busiest time of the year.

Another consequence will be progress on waiting lists, with NHS leaders warning that the Prime Minister’s pledge to reduce the size of the waiting list by March 2024 is almost certain to be missed. The waiting list was 7.2 million when the Prime Minister made the pledge in January 2023, but it now stands at almost 7.75 million and is increasing by around 100,000 people per month.

NHS Confederation chief executive Matthew Taylor said: “Everyone from the health secretary to the chief executive of the smallest trust knows that the government needs to make an urgent decision on whether to cover the unplanned costs of strike action and other higher costs.

“NHS leaders tell me that they are already having to take difficult choices every day on which services to cut back as they are not expecting any extra money to make up for the shortfall caused by the strikes, higher drug prices and pay costs being higher than the funding allocated at the start of the year. This will make an already difficult winter even harder to get through and we need the government to face up to this risk.

“Every day that passes without clarity on this issue results in more uncertainty and tough decisions having to be made.

“The irony is that while NHS leaders share the heath secretary’s ambitions to increase productivity in the health service, the strikes are acting as a handbrake on these ambitions as NHS staff are having to spend too much time cancelling and rearranging operations and outpatient appointments.

“This is not a trade-off between the economy and the NHS – as a growing body of research, including by the NHS Confederation itself, has shown gaps in health and care have their own economic impact in terms of people being unable to seek or sustain employment.”

The financial challenge is also shared by the NHS Confederation’s members in Wales as a result of inflation and increased demand and acuity of patients, with the NHS in Wales heading for a deficit of £650 million. Last week the Treasury in Wales gave a long-awaited statement on the Welsh Government’s financial position, including significant savings to the budget in several departments, prioritising protection of the Welsh NHS to the tune of £425m of ‘additional funding’. However, the £425 million is significantly less than the overall forecasted deficit and the Welsh Government recognises that the NHS in Wales still faces some extremely difficult decisions due to the challenging financial position.

This financial context is replicated in Northern Ireland with a short fall this year estimated to be around £550m. The situation is exacerbated with continued lack of a devolved assembly and a wider long term concern that the current funding formula is not keeping pace with the levels of need in Northern Ireland.

A Lasting Legacy: Nurse At Family-Run Care Home Group Retires After Reaching Half-Century Milestone A family-run care home group is celebrating the achievements of one of its newly retired nurses, who, since moving to England in 1972, has reached the remarkable career milestone of spending 50 years providing exceptional care.

Sobha Mannick, Clinical Lead at Princess Christian Care Centre in Woking, Surrey, part of Nellsar Care Homes, started her career as a Student Nurse in Lancashire, aged 19 and with no prior experience. Upon completion, she worked as a Registered Nurse for nearly two years before moving to Leighton Hospital in Crewe to do her general nurse training in 1976.

Striving to broaden her nursing knowledge, Sobha then took on specialised training in ears, nose and throat (ENT) nursing, moving to London in 1978 to complete the course at Gray’s Inn Hospital. She then returned to Mauritius in 1979, spending the next 18 years working in different hospitals and specialised units, including accident and emergency, fracture clinic and operating theatres — whilst also working with paramedics for three years.

To her delight, in 1997, a nursing home company in the UK, who were looking to recruit registered nurses who had been trained in England, offered her a four-year permit to work in a care home – a new career challenge for Sobha having spent most of her time in a hospital setting.

Eventually, after spending more than a decade in the social care industry, Sobha moved to Princess Christian Care Centre in 2012, where she has held a range of roles including, Home Trainer, Unit Manager, Lead Nurse and most recently, Clinical Lead.

Commenting on her journey, Sobha said: “I have acquired lots of knowledge and experience during my nursing career and am proud to say I can confidently look after residents with many complex medical needs.

Palliative care has been my last speciality, and Princess Christian Care Centre my last place of work. I do not feel I am ready for retirement, but at the age of 70, I need to take some time for myself. I have great pleasure in saying that Princess Christian Care Centre has achieved a lot over the past 12 years, including an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the CQC, GOLD level with Investors in People, and Platinum Accreditation with the Gold Standards Framework. I will miss my colleagues dearly and wish them all the best for the future.”

Mario Taherian, General Registered Manager at Princess Christian Care Centre, added: “Sobha has proved herself to be a valuable member to our Nursing Management team for the past 12 years, contributing greatly to the efficiency of our nursing operation. She has willingly taken on additional duties whenever asked and has always demonstrated a professional attitude towards her work. Her leadership and management skills are exceptional and she will be truly missed.”

In a similar vein, Glenda Osmotherly, Director of Operations for Nellsar, commented: “Sobha really is a special nurse and colleague whose commitment and dedication will be missed. If she is ever to “retire from retirement” there will always be a job waiting for her and she will remain a valuable member of the team and of the ‘Nellsar family’. Meanwhile, I hope she enjoys a long and well-deserved holiday.”

Blueleaf Launches New Product Guide to Show Latest Innovation in Care Beds and Pressure Care Mattress Design Blueleaf Care, the nationwide business that helps care homes deliver better outcomes, has released a new product guide for its range of care beds and pressure care mattresses, to help care providers choose the most suitable beds and mattresses for their residents.

Its collection of care beds consists of eight products, each with key features to accommodate the specific needs of care home residents. All beds, for example, have adjustable heights - the ‘Ultra Low Floorbed’ goes as low as 67mm off floor level – to improve accessibility for residents with limited mobility and to minimise the risk of injury in the event of a fall.

Blueleaf works with the bed manufacturers to ensure that the beds also support the carers to give the best care. An adjustment in the bed design, for example, means that when purchased with a Blueleaf mattress, beds do not require a third rail and still meet industry regulations for rail to mattress height. This also saves time in an environment where time is a rare commodity, and supports improved health and safety as they are not having to remove and install the rail each time.

Other features include a lockable handset and a range of upholstery options. Various wood finishes are also available for a design tailored to every individual room. With ease and efficiency in mind, all beds have a toolless assembly, removing the need for specialist equipment; and they use standard components, meaning that

they’re easy to fix should they require repairs; and many components are simply plug and play connections.

Additionally, Blueleaf’s collection of pressure care mattresses provide a vital solution to another widely prevalent challenge in care homes: the prevention, cure and treatment of pressure ulcers. The collection comprises the ‘SXM’ range of static mattresses and the ‘Easy Care’ range of dynamic mattresses, with the latter also featuring a cushion system and multifunctional pumps. The collection also includes the ‘Integra-mat’ which is exclusive to Blueleaf and can be used as a static or fully dynamic mattress, and the ‘Pressureguard’ which is a mattress system with adjustable height air cells to achieve zero pressure.

Each product contains various features that make them suitable for a wide range of residents with grade 1-4 pressure ulcers. The collection also delivers a range of benefits for carers. For instance, the highly advanced pump system automatically weighs the resident and adjusts mattress pressure accordingly, removing the need for manual weight input and individual pressure adjustment.

To download more information on Blueleaf’s range of beds and mattresses, or to book a meeting, please visit: www.blueleafcare.com/our-services/products/care-home-equipment/care-beds-and-pressure-caremattresses

Improving the Safety and Reliability of Mouth Care for Vulnerable People As the UK’s population continues to grow there has been a shift in the age structure towards later ages meaning we have an ageing population. While growing older does not necessarily equate with increased morbidity and dependency, ageing is often associated with increased needs for care and support. This include mouth care!

Studies show that as we age many people are retaining more of their own natural teeth.

Whilst this is, ‘a good thing’ the mouth care needs of people receiving care and support is now more complex and changeable with increasing dependency levels. Good oral health and general health are closely linked, and, poor oral health can have severe consequences on the general health of vulnerable people. For example, the relationship between advanced gum disease and cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases, diabetes and obesity are an undisputed fact. Mental health disorders such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease also affect the oral health of older people.

Removing barriers to good mouth care: With age, the level of dependency of older people tends to increase. Highly dependent older people, whether they are at home or living in a care setting, may not be mobile enough to visit a dentist. We need a care system that provides support for improving the safety and delivery of ‘good mouth care’ on a ‘daily basis’ as well as access to dental services. Maintaining good mouth care is a fundamental factor for improving quality of life when in a care setting since many oral conditions are chronic in nature, cumulative over time, and socially patterned.

Reducing harm and delivering safe, effective and reliable mouth care: As people are retaining their natural teeth, care providers face an increased need and demand for the delivery of good mouth care on a daily basis. They need to ensure that staff have access to the ‘right tools’ in order to do the ‘right job’ to deliver safe , reliable and effective mouth care every time first time. They need to provide training and education to the whole workforce, at all levels, to meet the increasing needs of the elderly, whilst understanding that age-associated changes in systemic health and medication use can impact oral health and function.

At Oral Care Innovations we concentrate on what we know best. We work closely with health and care professionals nationally to develop new innovative mouth care products that meet the needs of our residents and patients. But that’s not where it ends. We share best practice and support care providers to develop a ‘Mouth Care Policy’ with bespoke training and resources that provides staff with the ‘right skills’ to carry out safe, reliable and effective mouth care every time.

Effective mouthcare helps to maintain health, wellbeing and dignity, and contributes to quality of life. It is particularly important that vulnerable older people receive additional help to look after their mouth and keep it clean.

It is essential that all care staff are suitably trained and skilled to provide good mouthcare. Training and skill development should take place at induction and throughout their working career. Ensuring staff have the right product, to do the right job to reduce risk factors by delivering good mouth care every time is key in delivering good care.

OCI are pleased to launch its new product Mc3S. This builds on the success of its sister product the Mc3, but with added

SAFE, EFFECTIVE AND RELIABLE MOUTH CARE PRODUCTS Discover the wide range of MC mouth care products to deliver safe, reliable and effective mouth care with confidence. Our products were developed following a medical safety alert from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency which involved the use of foam mouth swabs. Over 800 patient safety incidents have been reported by The National Patient Safety Agency, where the foam headed products either become detached or pieces of the foam head were torn off and retained or lodged in the mouth. Foam mouth swabs have been banned across Wales and many Healthcare Trusts across the UK. Discover our safe, reliable and effective mouth care resources.

The Mc3 can help prevent the risk factors associated with Community Associated Pneumonia and other systemic diseases.

Mc3 is a safe replacement for all sponge mouth swabs. The cone shaped head and soft round filaments soothe the tongue and soft tissues when cleansing the inside of the mouth.

The Mc3S suction can help prevent the risk factors associated with Community Associated Pneumonia for people who have an impaired swallow and require suctioning. The cone shaped head and soft round filaments cleansing the inside of the mouth whilst removing sticky secretions and saliva via suctioning. The finger hold manages and controls the degree of suction by increasing and reducing flow. The unique addition of a soft ‘blade’ enables stubborn caked secretions to be removed safely and effectively.

The Mc4 can reduce bacterial build up, food debris, fungi and dead cells from the surface of the tongue that are related to many common oral and general health problems. Designed with a soft and tactile ridged head that gently scrapes the surface of the tongue to remove dead cells and bacteria build up safely

suction ability to use with our portable suction machines.

Check out our range of Mouth Care ‘End of Life Resources’.

Safe mouth care products in one place

For more information contact our team on: Sales@oralcareinnovations.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 1492 701277

The Mc6 can be used to moisten the lips, tongue and soft tissues inside the mouth.

With a slow flow of water from two drip holes, a gentle compression against the lips or inside the mouth is enough to provide a slow controlled flow of liquid to the mouth safely. This reduces the risk of choking.

www.oralcareinnovations.co.uk

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Barchester Healthcare Celebrate Outstanding Staff Members The Barchester Care Awards 2023 were held on Wednesday 11 October at the Midlands Hotel in Manchester. Regional finalists from across Barchester’s five divisions gathered in person and virtually to celebrate the outstanding achievements of Barchester’s many exemplary staff members who work tirelessly to deliver the best care to their residents and patients every day.

The Barchester Care Awards take place annually to celebrate the staff who go the extra mile for the benefit of the 13,000 residents living in Barchester’s 257 care homes and private hospitals across the country.

The 18 different categories up for grabs range from ‘Team of the Year’ and ‘Carer of the Year’ to ‘Dementia Care Champion’ and ‘Activities Coordinator of the Year’. Almost 4,000 nominations were received from homes and hospitals across the UK.

THIS YEAR’S WINNERS WERE: Learner of the Year – Wayne Mulloy from Briardene Health & Safety Champion – Carl Marsden from Cheshire Grange Volunteer of the Year – Malcolm Jackson from Cherry Trees Resident Ambassador – Michael Taylor from Chalfont Lodge Carer of the Year – Karen Whitney from Claremont Parkway Care Practitioner of the Year – Jo Vine from Kernow House

Barchester’s Charitable Foundation Champions – Ride 100 cycle team Registered Nurse of the Year – Chris Winkley from Briardene Team of the Year – Winchester House Home Administrator of the Year – Melanie Antcliff from Windermere House Lifetime Achievement Award – Stephen Walls from Thistle Hill Dementia Champion – Jo Lawn from Oaklands Activities Coordinator of the Year – Kim Calvert from Leeming Bar Grange Maintenance Champion of the Year – Steve Hagan from North Park Chef of the Year – Angel Kho from Cherry Blossom Manor Garden of the Year – Mulberry Court Hospitality Champion – Gill Jones from Cheshire Grange General Manager of the Year – Lynda Hamilton-Shaw from Awel-YMor Dr Pete Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare, commented: “Hosting the Barchester Care Awards where we recognise and thank all of our staff for their hard work and dedication is without doubt my favourite day of the year. We have the best teams in the world and I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of our colleagues, they are all absolutely amazing.”

A Drive Through History: Residents' Stories From Chartwell House Car Show On Saturday, September 30th, Chartwell House Care Home warmly welcomed the Ramsgate Classic Car Show, in partnership with Academy FM, for an unforgettable Classic Car Show. The event featured a collection of classic cars that resonated with residents, sparking nostalgic memories and heartfelt stories.

Resident Sheila Poupard's connection to the day was particularly touching. The 1933 Railton, lovingly restored by her late husband Julian, took centre stage. This classic beauty, believed to be the first production Railton, held a special place in Sheila's heart.

Sheila shared, "We have quite a lot of old cars and my husband did them up. We bought the Railton many years ago, and it was in pieces. He spent a couple of years fixing it up. We went to a lot of places in it, all over the country and car shows. It was my favourite car in his collection."

This heartwarming story of Sheila and Julian, who were married for an impressive 60 years, highlighted the enduring love between the couple.

Diana Dickinson, another resident of Chartwell House, encountered a red MG BGT at the event, bringing back vivid memories of her career as a police officer. She fondly recalled, "I was driving this car for about 10 years, and there are a lot of memories in those cars."

Diana's memorable story included an incident where she and her fellow officers had to arrest a towering soldier who had gone AWOL. With a chuckle, she added, "When we got to his address we found him, he was 6 foot 6. Trying to fold him up inside the MG was quite difficult."

The Classic Car Show also featured vehicles that resonated with other residents, such as the Vauxhall Viva and an older convertible Rover, further adding to the nostalgia of the day.

Jude Coveney, Admissions Manager at Chartwell House, "A truly inspiring time with so many happy memories recalled. A massive thank you to The Ramsgate Classic Car Club for bringing along their amazing collection of cars. Thanks to 107.8 Academy FM Thanet for co-hosting the event and providing the soundtrack to the show."

Diane Collins, Home Manager at Chartwell House, extended her appreciation, "We want to send a huge thank you to Debra for driving Sheila's very own vintage car to the event, her smile says it all! Having driven hundreds of miles in the car over the years with her husband, what a delight to have it with us on the day."

The Classic Car Show at Chartwell House Care Home was a heartwarming event, celebrating the power of cherished stories & enduring appeal of classic cars.

Surrey Care Group Increases Number Of Homes Committed To Excellence In End-Of-Life Care A luxury Surrey care group has put two more of its homes through a programme aiming to enhance end-of-life care provided by care residences and organisations – empowering its staff to understand the compassionate philosophy of palliative care.

CHD Living’s Abbey Chase, a Chertsey nursing centre offering nursing and residential care, and Kingston Rehabilitation Centre, providing specialist care for complex neurological conditions, are the organisation’s two latest services to complete the ‘Six Steps of Success’ programme working alongside Princess Alice Hospice.

The Six Steps programme aims to facilitate organisational change and support, educating care staff and ensuring that every care facility is equipped with dedicated champions who have access to up-todate national and local information around palliative care.

Both centres engaged in rigorous training, received visits from trainers to implement new processes, and participated in workshops to enhance their end-of-life care practices. The teams also compiled a comprehensive portfolio showcasing the evidence of their successful integration of the Six Steps training into their daily caregiving routines.

The initiative emphasises the importance of open discussions about end-of-life care and aims to ensure that hospices are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and resources to deliver respectful, patient-centred,

and well-led care. It highlights the significance of caring throughout the end-of-life journey, offering a compassionate and effective approach to supporting individuals in the final stages of their life.

THE SIX STEPS PROGRAMME ENCOMPASSES SIX KEY COMPONENTS: Discussion as end-of-life care approaches Assessment, care planning, and review Coordination of care Delivery of high-quality care in care homes Care in the last days of life Care after death Becs Page, CHD Living’s Quality Assurance Manager, said: “Having another home become accredited in the Six Steps programme is a further milestone for our organisation and a reflection of our commitment to providing the highest standards of end-of-life care. It reinforces our dedication to ensuring that every individual, their families, and our incredible staff receive the utmost support, respect, and compassion during this sensitive journey. The Six Steps programme encompasses our core values and achieving this accreditation demonstrates our commitment to consistently elevate the quality of care we provide.”

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Alzheimer’s Society says 19,000 People In England Could Be Living With Undiagnosed Young-Onset Dementia Following the first ever publication of data confirming that 34,412 people in England have been diagnosed with young-onset dementia (dementia which first appears before the age of 65), the charity Alzheimer’s Society has raised concerns that not enough people are getting a diagnosis.

It says the true figure for the number affected may be closer to 53,606, with an estimated 19,194 living without a diagnosis and support.

NHS England released the previously unrecorded figures for the first time today following campaigning this year from Alzheimer’s Society and other organisations.

James White, Alzheimer’s Society’s Head of National Influencing, said: “One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

Yet we know that many people aren’t being diagnosed, which means they’re not able to access vital support and treatments.

“It’s a common misconception for people to think of dementia as just an older person’s condition, and it’s even more challenging that the first signs of young-onset dementia can be hard to recognise or not obvious. Often, they’re put down to other factors such as stress, difficulties with relationships or work, or the menopause.

“Until now, NHS England didn’t have a clear picture of how many people have young-onset dementia as they weren’t fully collating diagnoses. With this new data, we’re on the way to building a better understanding, but we believe the numbers published today don’t reflect the true picture.

“Based on estimates we share with other dementia charities, we believe there is a really worrying gap between the thousands of people in England we estimate are living with young-onset dementia, and those

that have actually been diagnosed. That leaves friends, loved ones, colleagues, and their families struggling to get by without the right support and help.

“We know that getting a dementia diagnosis can be daunting, but 90% of people told us that they benefitted from a diagnosis as it helped them do things like plan for the future and access support. We need more people to know the symptoms and to seek help from their GP. We’re also urging the Government to make dementia a priority – having access to an early, accurate dementia diagnosis is absolutely vital.”

Fran Murt, 67, who is living with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and worked as a nurse before her diagnosis at age 63, said: “I just knew I wasn’t me. I was making mistakes at work that I would never have made before. I went to do a blood pressure check and I couldn’t remember how to put the cuff on.

“I went to the doctors and asked them to sign me off work, because I was scared I was going to make more serious mistakes. I spent about 18 months in limbo before I was finally diagnosed, and it was a relief to be honest. I had been told it could be stress or the menopause, but I knew it was dementia, so I was glad to have it confirmed so I could get the right support.”

Like all people with dementia, younger people may experience a wide range of symptoms, especially in the early stages of dementia. However, they are likely to need different support to older people. Younger people with dementia are less likely to have memory loss as one of their first symptoms but may notice that their movement or balance is affected. Other early symptoms could include changes in behaviour, language, vision or personality.

Cowdray Club Care Home Manager Recognised For Outstanding Leadership An Aberdeen care home manager, Phil Stuart of Cowdray Club Care Home, has been nominated for the prestigious Leadership Award at the Scottish Care Awards 2023 following the recognition of excellent conditions within the home.

The nomination additionally recognises Phil’s outstanding contribution to the field of elderly care, and his unwavering commitment to providing exceptional support and leadership to staff within the home.

The Scottish Care Awards, an esteemed annual event, celebrates individuals and organisations that demonstrate excellence, innovation, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of those in need of care.

Under Phil's guidance, Cowdray Club recently received an outstanding care inspectorate ranking of 5, which is the second-highest rating available under the body’s grading system following an unannounced inspection in late July.

Under the inspection, all aspects of life at Cowdray Club received scores of 5, recognised as “Very Good” within the ranking system.

Within the inspection, residents described the staff at Cowdray as helpful, fun and supportive, with an emphasis placed on ensuring people could continue to enjoy aspects of their life alongside their loved ones and maintain connections with their previous individual routines.

Upon learning of his nomination, Phil said: "It is truly an honour to be nominated for my leadership skills at the Scottish Care Awards 2023.

“This recognition is first and foremost a reflection of the hard work and commitment of the entire team at Cowdray Club. Together, we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents, and I am proud to be a part of such a dedicated and compassionate team."

The winners of the 2023 Scottish Care Awards will be announced at a gala ceremony on 17 November, where Phil and other nominees will gather to celebrate the achievements and contributions towards the field of care.

Cowdray Club, owned by Renaissance Care, is located in a beautifully appointed 19th century building in the Fonthill area of Aberdeen.

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Voyage Care Welcomes Lee Rowley MP to Witness The Power of Social Care Firsthand Voyage Care, provider of care and support for people with learning and physical disabilities, brain injuries, autism and complex needs, recently welcomed Lee Rowley to visit its care and support facilities at Cecil Road Autism Specialist Service in Dronfield, Derbyshire.

Lee Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire, met with people supported by Voyage Care and their support workers, and discussed what improvements they’d like to see in the sector to support them in living the life they choose.

Lee Rowley MP was given a tour of the Voyage Care home, meeting with team members and those who Voyage Care supports. He then spoke with Lyn Pickering, Manager, and Antonella Oliver, Managing Director to discuss key issues in adult social care.

A report published by the King’s Fund earlier this year highlighted several key challenges affecting the sector, including recruitment issues, funding and the cost of living crisis, all meaning sometimes people aren’t able to access the care they need. Voyage Care is focussed on reframing the debate around adult social care so that it focusses on those of working age being supported as much as those who are older or those needing to be discharged

from hospitals.

Andrew Cannon, Chief Executive Officer at Voyage Care, said: “We see it as our duty to raise awareness of the issues that exist within social care. By inviting politicians and policy makers to meet with the people we support, we can showcase the extraordinary work our colleagues do every day to enable them to live as independently as possible.

“Enabling access to high quality specialist adult social care is fundamental to the lives of those we support and also helps to reduce the systemwide pressure on wider public services, such as the NHS, housing and other social care. Among our ideas is calling for the Government to introduce a new Commissioner for Adult Social Care with a legal mandate to promote and protect the rights of those relying on the adult social care system.”

Lee Rowley, MP for North East Derbyshire, said: “A huge thanks to Lyn and all of the team at Voyage Care for letting me visit the Cecil Road service. As the MP for Dronfield, its hugely important that I find out what is happening across the town, including work that not everyone sees every day. It was a real privilege to spend a bit of time at the service and to find out more.”

Celebrating 103 Remarkable Years: Joan’s Special Day at Cuffley Manor Care Home Cuffley Manor Care Home marked a momentous occasion on Sunday, October 22nd. Joan Chester, a cherished resident of Cuffley Manor Care Home for nearly four years, celebrated her 103rd birthday in the company of her beloved family and friends.

In honour of Joan’s special day, Cuffley Manor was adorned in her favourite colour, pink. The celebration concluded with a lovingly crafted, homemade cake, a heartfelt gift from the dedicated team at Cuffley Manor. Cuffley Manor’s thoughtful pink-themed celebration for Joan’s birthday echoed the genuine care that defines their approach to resident happiness and contentment.

Joan’s daughter, Lisa Klein, expressed the family’s deep gratitude, stating, “My mother has been a resident at Cuffley Manor for almost four years, and we as a family are truly delighted with the exceptional care that she receives. The staff are all remarkably kind and patient with her. Today, her 103rd birthday, they welcomed all her family and gave her a day to remember. A beautiful cake, decorated in her favourite colour, pink, was presented to her. We simply cannot praise Cuffley Manor enough.”

Marion, The Home Manager at Cuffley Manor Care Home expressed, “Having Joan and her family celebrate her 103rd birthday here was truly special. We hope they had a wonderful time.”

Adept Care Homes Strengthens Commitment to Care Workers' Welfare by Renewing Support for Care Workers in Need Adept Care Homes is pleased to announce the renewal of its supporter membership with the Care Workers' Charity (CWC), an organisation dedicated to providing essential support to care workers. By reaffirming their commitment, Adept Care Homes continues to demonstrate its unwavering support for the well-being of care workers across the industry.

The Care Workers' Charity offers critical assistance in the form of grants and mental health support to care workers who may be experiencing financial, emotional, or mental health challenges. Care workers are the backbone of the healthcare industry, and Adept Care Homes acknowledges the invaluable contribution they make to the well-being of the elderly and vulnerable.

"Adept Care Homes is proud to renew its supporter membership with the Care Workers' Charity," said Kenny Nelson, Managing Director at Adept Care Homes. "The past year has underscored the exceptional dedication and resilience of care workers, who often face challenging and emotionally demanding situations. Our commitment to the Care Workers' Charity is a testament to our appreciation for the essential work

these individuals do every day and part of delivering our vision, that our homes are a superb place to live or work."

The Care Workers' Charity's mission is to provide financial aid to care workers who encounter unforeseen crises, such as illness, bereavement, or financial hardship, which can significantly impact their well-being. In addition to financial support, the charity also offers mental health resources, recognizing the importance of emotional well-being among care workers.

The decision to renew its supporter membership with the CWC reaffirms Adept Care Homes' dedication to the welfare of care workers, many of whom have been on the frontlines of healthcare, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic.

Adept Care Homes encourages other organisations and individuals within the healthcare industry to join in supporting the Care Workers' Charity, recognising the importance of safeguarding the physical and mental well-being of those who care for the elderly and vulnerable in our communities.

Unique Care Sector Recruitment Service Launches Quality Care Group (QCG), the leading providers of insurance and business solutions to the UK care sector, has announced the launch of a brand-new recruitment service for care businesses who require key senior hires, to grow their organisations.

This new recruitment service is the company’s response to many years of listening to the market's needs and requirements for a recruitment partner, understanding the unique challenges of the care sector and why finding the right senior talent is the cornerstone to a successful business.

This service will be led by Mike Tait, who joins the team as Head of Care Recruitment. With nearly two decades of experience in healthcare staffing and recruitment, he aims to help care organisations find and hire their key senior personnel who can drive the growth and performance of their business.

Mike had this to say on this exciting, unique new service: “Having spent considerable time within the healthcare recruitment sector, observing the growing frustration among providers grappling to secure suitable leaders for their organisations, it's clear that a significant demand exists, and a solution is required for elevated service quality and standards. By doing so, we not only enhance value for service providers but also deliver improved outcomes. The prevalent approach of enlisting a

multitude of agencies, each shouldering numerous roles, has regrettably eroded confidence in the standard of fulfilment of crucial positions”.

Mike then went onto say: “I am delighted to join QCG as we share a passion and ethos of what we believe in. This is a unique opportunity to develop this shared mindset we have for driving higher quality and better value outcomes and solutions for our clients. I believe we have a fantastic opportunity to deliver something quite unique in the care sector and further strengthen our relationships by working in partnership, offering a market leading recruitment solution to one of the biggest problems currently facing the sector.”

Partnering closely and exclusively on specific roles with business owners, hiring managers and care organisations, their focus lies in identifying and fulfilling crucial senior positions in the care sector.

Demand has never been greater for skilled and experienced professionals in senior roles within the care industry and with this new service, ‘Quality Care Recruit’ aims to bring a fresh perspective by matching the varied and individual requirements of care businesses across the country with the right senior candidates.

For more information, visit www.qcaregroup.co.uk

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 25

NHS Delivering Fastest Ever Flu Vaccine Rollout Ahead of Winter The NHS winter vaccination programme has delivered more than ten million flu jabs (10,527,579) and over seven million Covid vaccines (7,525,637) to people most at risk across England in just over five weeks, making this the fastest NHS flu vaccine roll out on record.

A record three million people have received their flu and Covid vaccines in the same appointment, as vaccine providers make it as convenient as possible for people to get protected ahead of winter.

On Monday the national booking system opened up for those eligible to book an appointment to have both flu and Covid vaccines given at the same time.

While analysis also shows that this year has seen the fastest ever rollout of Covid-19 vaccines to care homes by NHS teams, with more care homes visited in the first five weeks of this campaign than in previous rollouts.

More than 12,000 care homes have been visited already – over 80% of all care homes in England.

Despite these efforts, millions more eligible people are being urged to get their lifesaving Covid and flu vaccines to reduce the risk of infection.

The number of patients in hospital with Covid hit a five-month high of 4,205 patients on 8 October – up 14% on the previous week.

Care home residents were among the first to be offered the winter vaccines, to top up their protection ahead of winter when Covid, flu and other viruses circulate most as people spend more time indoors.

Over a third of all winter vaccines have been delivered already to those eligible, and over a third of 65 and overs have had the Covid jab.

The NHS is continuing to invite all those eligible for winter vaccinations to come forward and book appointments – so far over 16 million invitations have been sent, including to those aged 65 and those with certain health conditions.

The autumn vaccination campaign is among a package of NHS measures to prepare for winter with the health service already facing immense pressure from ongoing industrial action, demand on emergency services, alongside the risk of a new Covid variant, and common winter viruses.

Chief Delivery Officer and National Director for Vaccinations and Screening for NHS England, Steve Russell said: “These uptake figures are very encouraging, and show the NHS is making excellent progress in helping those most at risk of life-threatening flu and COVID-19 viruses, get the protection they need this winter, but we want to ensure even more people are booking appointments.”

“NHS teams have delivered Covid vaccines to care home residents faster than ever before, over 10 million people have received a flu vaccine, and staff at thousands of vaccine sites right across England continue to work hard to ensure that as many eligible people receive this vital protection as quickly and conveniently as possible.

“We know things start to get more pressured for the NHS at this time of year – this year even more so than others with industrial action – but vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent people from getting sick this winter and with hundreds of thousands of vaccine appointments available – I urge everyone eligible to please come forward and book your vaccinations today.”

People eligible for both winter vaccines include all aged 65 and over, those that are pregnant, those aged 6 months and above with certain health conditions, care home residents, frontline health and social care staff, unpaid carers and household contacts of people with a weakened immune system.

Health Minister, Maria Caulfield, said: “With the vaccination programme rolling out earlier this year, I’m delighted that over 18 million Covid and flu jabs have been administered, with three million people getting jabbed in the same appointment and taking the important step to protect themselves and their loved ones this winter.”

“Our NHS staff are doing a wonderful job and the National Booking System is now open so, if you are eligible, please do take up the offer and get your Covid and flu jabs as soon possible.”

Even if people have previously had a vaccination or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year, so it is important people top up their protection.

More than 30 million people in England are entitled to receive a free flu vaccine and over 20 million can get a Covid jab via the NHS Winter Vaccination Programme.

Chislehurst Care Home Opens Its Doors For Intergenerational Mother and Baby Group A group of kind-hearted mums have brought joy to residents at RMBI Care Co. Home Prince George Duke of Kent Court, in Chislehurst by bringing their babies and toddlers to visit. The beautiful partnership has recently started a few months ago between the group of mums and the residents at the Home.

Research has shown that for older people, engaging with babies and young children can help to increase wellbeing and reduce loneliness and depression. The benefits for young children are also increasingly being recognised. Childcare providers report increased confidence, less anxiety and better communication skills.

It is also thought that introducing intergenerational interaction at an early age helps shape more positive attitudes toward ageing as well as increase

understanding and awareness.

Diane Connor, the Home’s Activities Coordinator, says: “Our residents can’t wait for the babies and toddlers to visit so they can have a cuddle and spend time chatting to the mums. The benefits of holding a baby for some of our ladies is hard to describe; they have a such a soothing and calming effect, and it also brings back memories of motherhood. It’s proved to be especially therapeutic for our residents living with dementia.”

“The mums have been so kind and really open to learning about people living with dementia. The intergenerational visits have brought a real energy to Prince George Duke of Kent Court,” she adds.

Among those visiting is new mum Kate Doughty. She said: “The partnership has been a wonderful experience. Being a new mum is very rewarding but it can also be challenging. Spending time with residents and sharing stories has been so uplifting and I look forward to our visits.”

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Creative Support Colleagues Take Part in Sponsored Climb of Ben Nevis On 26 August 2023, seven Creative Support colleagues took part in a sponsored climb of Ben Nevis in aid of purchasing defibrillators for our Extra Care services in London.

There were some spectacular views both on the ascent and descent and, as expected, some challenging weather at the Summit. The climb was a huge success and we raised a final total of £5412, which surpassed our target of £5000! Following this fundraising adventure, we have now ordered seven defibrillators for our services.

Around 30,000 people in the UK each year suffer a sudden cardiac arrest and their survival chances jump from 6% to 74% if a defibrillator is deployed within three minutes. We could not be more grateful to everyone who has supported us.

Below are a few quotes from the intrepid hikers:

‘It was such a special experience to hike the beautiful Ben Nevis Mountain with my incredible colleagues. I feel grateful that we were able to accomplish this great feat together while also raising money for defibrillators.’ - Emily F ‘A life-affirming experience with amazing people for an amazing cause, incredibly proud of everyone involved!’ – Emily W ‘Summiting Ben Nevis is no small achievement in itself. To do so whilst raising over £5000 for life-saving defibrillators makes it even more special. I want to thank to all of the generous people who donated to this cause with a special shout out to all Creative Support colleagues in Head Office and around the country’ – Mahip ‘Reaching the summit wasn't just a personal victory, it was a step towards making a difference for a cause we all care about. I'm so grateful to everyone who donated!’ – Jess

Dementia Adventure Make Patrick’s Dreams Come True At the beginning of Autumn, Longfield resident Patrick had a day that he will never forget, thanks to his wife and the team from Dementia Adventure.

Dementia Adventure is an organisation that supports people who live with dementia, to help tackle isolation and improve wellbeing. They do this by facilitating supported breaks and day trips for people who live with dementia, so they can continue to make happy memories with the people close to them.

Whether the support required is practical, emotional, or financial, Dementia Adventure is there to improve the lives of people who live with dementia, by granting wishes or helping them spend time in natural beauty spots around the UK. Seeing all the wonderful things this organisation does, Patrick’s wife Jenny reached out to the company to see if they could help to make her husband’s dreams come true and facilitate a day trip like no other! A few weeks later, the company said they would love to support and began arranging a day that Patrick would remember forever. Keith and Therese from Dementia Adventure arrived at Longfield one September morning, where they met Patrick and his wife Jenny. Knowing there was a surprise in store, Patrick had a big smile on his face and couldn’t wait to see what was in store for the day.

The first stop was Southend Football Stadium, a venue that Jenny knew he would like to visit. Patrick’s face lit up when he arrived and with the help of Keith and Therese, he was escorted into the stadium, had the opportunity to look around the facilities, and was even granted access to the pitch! As he was taken down the player's tunnel, a goalie kit was draped over him, and a football

was waiting for him to kick around the pitch. He was allowed the keep the ball too and held it whilst he watched the youth team training with their manager.

It was a very special opportunity and one that Patrick really enjoyed. On the way out, Patrick was handed a match day brochure for Southend’s next game and stopped in the gift shop, where Jenny purchased a top and a joker’s hat for him.

This was just the start of Patrick’s adventure, as the next stop was Rossi’s ice cream shop. This was a welcome resting stop, where Patrick was able to enjoy an ice cream with his wife and reflect on the wonderful morning at Southend Football Club. After a light snack, it was lunchtime, and Dementia Adventure had reserved a table in a local fish and chip restaurant that overlooked the River Thames. It was a wonderful spot and Patrick cleared his plate, apart from the salad to his wife’s amusement. The group then took a drive along the seafront to Westcliff, where they visited Pam and Brian, Patrick’s old neighbours! They share fond memories together which they enjoyed discussing, and laughed about not missing Patrick's music which used to wake them up some mornings! It was wonderful for Patrick to catch up with some old friends and a heartwarming way to end a memorable day!

On the way back to Longfield, they stopped outside Patrick’s childhood home where he posed for a photo that he could show to his friends. Patrick and Jenny are both eternally grateful to Dementia Adventure for helping to facilitate an action-packed day and making Patrick’s dreams come true.

Volunteer At Colne Home Donates Sound System For Residents To Use In Activities A volunteer at a Colne home has donated a sound system to the home so residents can enjoy some entertainment.

Eric Haworth has been volunteering at MHA Belvedere Manor for over a year and started volunteering after losing his dad.

After identifying the home needed a music system for activities he used the money which was given to him to cover his travel expenses and bought a Busker 12 PA system.

Eric is currently volunteering abroad and before he left he visited the home and delivered the new system.

He said: “My late father was a very keen musician and I’m sure he would have been delighted that I am donating in his memory something that would add value to

the sessions at MHA Belvedere Manor.

Leanne Harrandence, activity coordinator added: “ Eric comes to volunteer every other week and the residents love him.

“He used to live in the area but then moved away, the money we used to give Eric to cover his fuel is what he used to buy the music system.

“He provides a lot of joy and entertainment to the residents and knows about the issues we have with music equipment.

“We have many activities running each week and this piece of equipment will enhance the quality of what we are able to offer the residents.

“We are very thankful to him for his kind donation and will make sure we get plenty of use out of it.”

Pink Power Unites: Chartwell House’s Stand for Breast Cancer Awareness Chartwell House by Boutique Care Homes is celebrating following the overwhelming success of their Breast Cancer Awareness Day. This important event, held in support of Breast Cancer Now’s Wear it Pink campaign, not only raised an impressive £336.00 but also highlighted the critical importance of regular breast checks for all genders.

Wear it Pink, one of the UK’s most significant fundraising events during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, has witnessed thousands of people across the nation coming together to support this noble cause. Over the years, this campaign has raised over £39 million, and the fight against breast cancer continues.

Chartwell House showcased its support for breast cancer awareness in a unique and heartwarming way.

Residents and team members at Chartwell House collaborating to create unique hand-printed t-shirts.

These t-shirts were not just items for sale but symbols of unity, proudly worn by everyone in attendance, symbolising their unwavering dedication.

An eye-opening screening of an NHS breast screening video, projected on the large screen in the Bistro. This informative session provided the perfect backdrop for guests to immerse themselves in knowledge about breast health, stressing the importance of regular screenings & breast checks, regard-

less of gender.

To add a delightful touch, Chartwell House offered delicious pink milkshakes and pink-frosted cupcakes, enticing attendees to savour a taste of pink while supporting the cause. The day was not only about awareness but also engagement. An array of interactive activities, including a breast screening treasure hunt and a sweepstake also took place.

To cap it all, everyone who had purchased Chartwell House’s distinctive hand-printed t-shirts wore them with pride, creating a visually striking sea of pink support that echoed their commitment to the fight against breast cancer.

Jude Coveney, Admissions Manager at Chartwell House, expressed her joy, stating, “The success of our Breast Cancer Awareness Day goes beyond the funds we raised. It showcased the incredible spirit of our community, coming together for a meaningful cause. We are proud to have made a difference.”

Diane Collins, Home Manager at Chartwell House, stressed the importance of Breast Cancer Awareness, saying, “Our commitment to this cause is unwavering. Breast cancer affects many lives, and by spreading awareness, we contribute to the mission of ensuring that everyone diagnosed with breast cancer lives well.”

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 27

Care Home Operator Makes Period Products Free To All Staff Britain’s largest care home operator has made period products available to staff nationwide as part of a new partnership – with every order matched with a donation to vulnerable community organisations.

HC-One colleagues now have access to free disposable and reusable period products thanks to the partnership with multiaward-winning social enterprise Hey Girls and distributor Lyreco.

The partnership covers all 267 care homes operated by HC-One, alongside its support office in Darlington, reaching thousands of colleagues nationwide.

Anna Selby, Director of Kind Care at HC-One, said: “We are really pleased to offer our colleagues environmentally-friendly period products from Hey Girls.

“Kind care is at the heart of what we do at HC-One, both for our residents but also for our colleagues.

“We were drawn to working with Hey Girls in particular because they match each of our purchases with a donation to their community partners. We’re pleased to be able to support both our colleagues as well as Hey Girls’ crucial work in

communities across the country.

“We have already had great feedback from our colleagues and we look forward to seeing our partnership with Hey Girls flourish.”

Hey Girls works with companies across the country in introducing period dignity schemes in the workplace, with every purchase matched with a donation to its network of more than 350 community partners.

Organisations to benefit from the new partnership include refuges, foodbanks and homeless shelters nationwide.

Ailsa Colquhoun, Partnerships and Contracts Manager at Hey Girls, said: “All of us at Hey Girls are delighted to partner with HC-One. “Partnerships like this have helped us donate more than 30 million period products to people in need over the last five years – and a partnership on this scale is going to make a huge difference to our community partner network.

“It is fantastic to see a company on the scale of HC-One stand up and join our fight for period dignity in the workplace and our overall battle to end period poverty in the UK once and for all.”

Chelsea Pensioner and Britain’s Got Talent Winner Colin Thackery Sings for Fellow Veterans Photo Credit: Royal Star & Garter

He then joined residents, including others who served in Korea, for tea and cake.

Singing Chelsea Pensioner Colin Thackery has performed at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton.

He had earlier wowed residents with songs including ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’, ‘Moon River’, ‘Sweet Caroline’ and ‘Thank You for the Music’.

The 93-year-old, who served in Korea with the Royal Artillery and won

Colin said: “Because of my Army career I’ve heard lots about Royal Star &

Britain’s Got Talent in 2019, sang for fellow comrades on Wednesday, 18

Garter and the good work it does, so to visit this wonderful Home and to sing

October.

for veterans there was a privilege. I look forward to singing here again.”

After singing, Colin was taken on a tour of the award-winning Home, and officially opened the newly created General Store in the dementia care area.

RAF veteran Vera, a Royal Star & Garter resident. She said: “We’re very lucky to have Colin come here and sing for us.”

Animal Encounters Boost Elderly Residents’ Wellbeing A SKUNK, black widow spiders, snakes, and insects were among the menagerie of creatures at a Teesside care home for a wellbeing boosting animal therapy session.

The creatures were brought to Mandale House Care Home, on Acklam Road, Thornaby, by exotic animal encounter company Animal Story.

Elderly residents got to see, touch, and hold many of animals, which also included a tortoise, gecko, giant snails, and an owl.

Ella Atkinson, 89, said: “This is wonderful. I love all the animals but want to kidnap the skunk.”

David Shaw, 81, said: “What a marvellous experience. I cannot wait to tell my daughter.”

Pat Dobson, 85, added: “I did not think I would be touching a snake today.”

Animal based activities have proven therapeutic benefits for residents, especially those living with dementia, according to the care home’s activities coordinator, Sharon Lewis.

She said: “Animal therapy sessions are always hugely popular with our residents.

“They have a wide range of benefits, helping to boost everyone’s mood, reduce feelings of stress and loneliness, ease anxiety, and improve overall wellbeing. They’re also a lot of fun.

“It was a wonderful new experience for residents. Staff and residents were completely fascinated by all the creatures. Some residents don’t really like to do activities but when they realised the animals were in the home they were there like a shot. To see their reactions was magical.”

Martyn Storey, from Animal Story, said: “It was a pleasure to visit Mandale House Care Home. Our favourite visits are animal assisted activities that help improve emotional, social, cognitive, and physical wellbeing.

“Our furry and scaley friends can help with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. Care home sessions stimulate memories and give residents the chance to meet animals they may never have come across previously.”

Staying Active Through Gymnastics, Even at 100 Years Old Anne, from Bethany Care Home in Chepstow, recently celebrated turning 100 years old and is thriving as she takes part in not one, but two Love To Move sessions each week.

Love To Move, run by the British Gymnastics Foundation charity, is an innovative seated gymnastics programme that is helping to change the lives of people with dementia and long-term health conditions – with demonstrable physical, emotional and conditioning benefits.

The programme was developed following the 2022 World Gymnastics Championships based on scientific evidence. It’s an age and dementiafriendly exercise programme that engages participants with simple hand movements set to music and has been shown to help mobility, strength and flexibility. The programme is the first of its kind in the UK, with over 500 trainers and 5,000 participants to date, taking part in sessions being deliv-

ered across care homes and community venues across the country each week.

Anne, who turned 100 years old in September this year, currently takes part in Love To Move sessions at Bethany Care Home, where she is a resident. She’s been taking part in the programme since it was introduced into the care home in August 2022.

Commenting on the Love To Move sessions, Anne said: “I really enjoy the sessions. They wake everyone up and keep us moving. I look forward to them each week.”

Heath Dent, the Love To Move Deliverer at Bethany Care Home added: “Anne is a really lovely participant and I look forward to seeing her for our sessions. Her favourite song by far is Hokey Cokey, which she always joins in with. She is also a pro at our balloon game!”

PAGE 28 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Ensuring Safe and Sustainable Waste Management In the intricate web of adult social care, an often overlooked but critical aspect is waste management. Within the confines of care and nursing homes in the UK, effective handling, storage, and disposal of various waste types is not just a regulatory requirement; it is an ethical imperative. This feature article dives into the depths of waste management within care environments, illuminating the careful management of clinical, hazardous, and infectious waste. From meticulous risk assessments to innovative disposal methods, we explore the multifaceted approach that ensures the well-being of residents, staff, and the environment.

THE HIDDEN RISKS: CLINICAL, HAZARDOUS, AND INFECTIOUS WASTE: Behind the scenes of compassionate care lies a multitude of waste materials – clinical byproducts, hazardous substances, and infectious agents. Each comes with a unique set of risks, necessitating rigorous risk assessments. Clinical waste includes discarded dressings, swabs, and medical equipment, while hazardous waste encompasses chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Infectious waste involves contaminated items carrying pathogens. Identifying and evaluating these risks is fundamental to maintaining a safe care environment.

SEGREGATION AT THE SOURCE: A CROSS-CONTAMINATION CRUSADE:

In the battle against cross-contamination, segregation emerges as a stalwart ally. Color-coded waste containers, an emblem of UK waste management, are an essential tool. The palette of colors – yellow for infectious waste, orange for clinical waste, purple for hazardous waste, and more – functions as a visual aid, guiding staff to deposit waste correctly. This prevents hazardous mixing, fortifying infection control efforts and safeguarding residents and staff.

NAVIGATING DISPOSAL LABYRINTHS: LEGISLATION AND LEGAL OBLIGATIONS: Guiding the labyrinthine paths of waste disposal are stringent regulations and legal obligations. UK care homes are bound by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Controlled Waste Regulations 2012, which outline the standards for waste management.

To traverse this landscape, care homes must work in tandem with licensed waste carriers, ensuring safe and compliant transportation and disposal. Adhering to these laws is not just mandatory; it's a pledge to environmental stewardship. The Department of Health has published revised guidance on the Safe management of healthcare waste. This details the legislative and practical requirements of managing the waste. https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/management-anddisposal-of-healthcare-waste-htm-07-01/

FROM POLICY TO PRACTICE: IMPLEMENTATION AND STAFF EMPOWERMENT: Waste management transcends written policies – it's a culture. Care homes must craft comprehensive waste management policies that embody legal mandates and industry best practices. However, policies are only as effective as their implementation. Regular staff training sessions transform care providers into waste management sentinels.

Designating a waste management coordinator further strengthens the

commitment, streamlining communication and bolstering policy enforcement.

THE KALEIDOSCOPE OF WASTE DISPOSAL: DIFFERENT TYPES, DIFFERENT METHODS: Navigating the maze of waste disposal requires an understanding of waste types and appropriate disposal methods. Clinical waste, saturated with potential pathogens, undergoes incineration. Hazardous waste follows a convoluted path, with chemicals often requiring specialist disposal. Infectious waste, concealed contagions, faces autoclaving or chemical treatment. Each method underscores the mission of eradicating risk.

LOOKING AHEAD: SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION: The future of waste management in care homes glimmers with sustainable solutions. Facilities are exploring waste-to-energy conversion, where waste generates power. Technological advancements offer smarter waste tracking and reporting, empowering care homes to refine their practices. The nexus of innovation and sustainability paints a promising horizon for waste management.

Waste management in UK care and nursing homes isn't confined to bins and regulations; it's a pledge to uphold the dignity, health, and safety of residents. The intricate dance of handling, storing, and disposing of clinical, hazardous, and infectious waste demands diligence, awareness, and a commitment to legal mandates. As care homes embrace the tapestry of waste management – from risk assessment to color-coded containers – they weave a story of responsible care, environmental guardianship, and a commitment to a healthier future.

Care Homes Spending Up To £50,000 A Year Sending Food Waste To Landfill The average UK business is spending over £50,000 every year on sending food waste to landfill, however, recycling food waste could save care homes up to £7,000 a year, according to new research from Keenan Recycling.

Despite this, only a third (36%) of care homes say that they recycle food waste in order to minimise financial losses and only a third (34%) recycle food waste to avoid costly fines.

However, new legislation due to land in 2024, is expected to mandate that any business producing over 5kg of food waste will need to separate and recycle its waste through a registered food waste carrier service.

Failure to comply could put care homes at risk of potentially hefty financial penalties-with fixed penalty notices starting from £300.

The legislation is due to be introduced by both DEFRA and the Welsh Government, who are expected to enact the provisions of the Environment Act 2021, and thereby make the separation of food waste from other waste streams a requirement.

For more insights from the research, visit: The ideal picture of food waste – Keenan Recycling at https://keenanrecycling.co.uk/the-ideal-picture-of-food-waste/

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 29

INSURANCE FOR CARE

Securing Insurance with an Inadequate CQC Rating The Care Quality Commission (CQC) requires all care and nursing homes to have insurance, and without it, you will be unable to operate. The mandatory insurance requirements from the CQC are Employers’ Liability and Public Liability cover. Any additional covers will depend on the type of care facility you own. If a care facility is unable to secure adequate insurance, residents will need to find alternative accommodation, and staff are likely to lose their jobs.

Many care homes have no difficulty in securing insurance but when a care home has an inadequate rating by the CQC, finding insurance can prove extremely challenging. Not all insurers are willing to provide terms for care facilities with an inadequate CQC rating, and when they do, premiums can be higher, and restrictions may be put in place, such as a limit to the number of service users (residents allowed).

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Research, around 1 in 5 care homes are rated ‘inadequate’ or ‘requires improvement’ in the UK, which can leave these care homes with only a small range of insurance options and in turn, at risk of closure.

Barnes Commercial has built strong relationships with an extensive panel of insurers, who specialise in care home insurance, including some that will offer terms to care homes with inadequate CQC ratings.

CASE STUDY: OBTAINING INSURANCE WITH AN INADEQUATE CQC RATING Our client is the owner of several care homes in the southeast of the UK and is an example of how working closely with a broker can help secure favourable insurance terms, even with an inadequate rating. Our client came to Barnes Commercial because he was unhappy with his current provider and their ability to find him an affordable insurance solution.

One of the care homes had an inadequate CQC rating but our client and his team had been working with the CQC to create an action plan for improvements. We shared this with potential insurers who wanted to see evidence of what work was being planned, by when, and what had already been done to improve the care home. Ensuring the action plan was up to date was vital in arranging the insurance.

AREAS TO FOCUS ON TO IMPROVE YOUR CQC RATING When speaking with our care home clients whose facility had an inadequate CQC rating, they tell us that some of the most common reasons cited are poor record management and health and safety issues.

If these areas are not managed effectively, you could be putting your patients/residents, staff and your business at risk. Patient care will be at the heart of everything you do, so having robust systems in place will help you to perform at your best. For example, having a digital recording system in place, can provide you with greater governance, stronger compliance and help to ensure quality outcomes for those in your care. It can also mean recording of data will be faster, medication management will be safer and you are more ready for inspections.

Health and safety hazards are also a regular source of inadequate ratings and an area that every care home owner needs to be on top of at all times. One of CQCs fundamental standards includes safety, which means providers must assess the risks to your health and safety during any care or treatment and make sure staff have the qualifications, competence, skills and experience to keep you safe.

OUR PROCESS TO SECURE YOUR CARE HOME INSURANCE Our specialist Care Home Insurance adviser, Luke Green, can support you with tailored advice on how to secure an insurance solution that will bring you peace of mind, whilst satisfying the CQC. He will take the time to get to know your business and its current situation, so he can fully understand how he can help. He will also help you to gather and collate all your supporting documentation, including your action plan and any evidence to support your submission, for example, from your local authorities. He will then use these to advise a panel of insurers on your situation and what your business is doing to improve your ratings. Demonstrating your commitment to improving your situation will typically be positively received by the insurers and helps us to obtain an insurance quotation for you that will protect your business from commercial risk.

Send an email to enquires@barnesinsurancebroker.co.uk or call 01480 272727 to make an appointment.

PAGE 32 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

HYGIENE & INFECTION CONTROL Angloplas Dispensers Help Reduce Cytolax Barrier Spray the Risk of Cross Infection Angloplas are a UK manufacturer who specialise in producing dispensers for the health and hygiene industry. Although these are designed to keep the workplace tidy and uncluttered they are, more importantly, built knowing the control of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) are a priority for healthcare providers, and who are employing a combination of infection prevention and control strategies, including hand hygiene, cleaning, training and the adoption of new technologies, to tackle the problem.

As a result, a wide range of infection control products and technologies are emerging on the market, including antimicrobial technology.

Angloplas’ range of dispensers are produced in the

world’s first proven Antimicrobial PVC with silver ion technology and which is exclusive to Angloplas.

This helps reduce the risk of cross infection by stopping the growth of bacteria and mould and works continuously for the lifetime of the product, reducing levels of bacteria such as MRSA, E Coli, Legionella, Salmonella and mould by up to 99.99%.

For non-clinical environments Angloplas has recently launched its new Budget Range of products which are made to the same exacting standards as the antimicrobial protected ones but with lower price tags.

You can order Angloplas products directly from its website by going to www.angloplas.co.uk

Cytolax is a range of health and wellbeing products that interacts with human cells bringing them to life so as to improve physiological outcomes. Manufactured in ISO certified medical factories, every formulation is developed to offer premium solutions that encompasses products for home self-use as well as for the medical profession.

The barrier skin protection range is made up of Wipes, Creams and Spray to prevent and protect skin from moisture, maceration and pressure sores.

Cytolax Barrier Spray is a 100% Silicone, alcohol free solution that forms a transparent protective and breathable layer between the skin and the air or surface that the skin may come in con-

tact with. Hypoallergenic and quick drying formula ensures no irritation or burning sensation.

- 100% Silicone - Upto 72 hours protection - Unique formula allows it to be used with adhesive dressings and protects skin from medical adhesives - Transparent and Permeable solution - No Stinging or burning sensation - Alcohol Free - Non Cytotoxic - Quick Drying - 50ml Contact 0141 778 6017, sales@cytolax.co.uk or visit www.cytolax.co.uk Follow: www.linkedin.com/company/cytolax/

GOJO Recognised As A Key Partner To The NHS GOJO, THE INVENTOR OF PURELL™ is proud to be a brand showcased in an official publication commemorating the NHS, entitled ‘NHS 75: Celebrating 75 Years of the National Health Service.’ This accolade demonstrates the key role played by the skin and hygiene specialist, who has now been a partner to the organisation for over 30 years.

Widely used in the NHS, PURELL® is a trusted brand in healthcare facilities around the world. As a market leader of hand hygiene within the UK’s health service, it has been instrumental in helping core NHS metrics to be achieved, such as reductions in the number of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs). Its solutions encompass fast-active, effective formulas that care for skin, state of the art dispensers, and dedicated support such as the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) accredited training.

Launching at the Cloisters in Westminster Abbey on 6th September 2023, ‘NHS 75: Celebrating 75 Years of the National Health Service’ is a beautifully presented hardback book that has been produced in partnership with leading publisher, St James’s House and written by a team of academics and industry experts. Exploring the origins, history and impact of the NHS, the fully illustrated publication marks the 75th anniversary of the service, and the people and policies that have shaped it.

Chris Wakefield, V.P. European Marketing and Managing Director UK & Ireland, GOJO Industries-Europe

Ltd. comments: ‘The NHS is one of the country’s most recognised and cherished organisations – here to improve our health and wellbeing, support us to keep mentally and physically well, and to help us get better when we are ill. The GOJO purpose of ‘saving lives and making life better through well-being solutions’ very much aligns with these values, and it is what drives our innovation in hygiene.

‘We are extremely proud to play a major role in helping prevent infection and improve public health and are thrilled to be included in this prestigious book celebrating 75 years of the wonderful NHS.’ As well as being the ideal partner to healthcare trusts and facilities, GOJO is passionate about developing sustainable products that both clean and care for hands in a variety of sectors. These include education, hospitality, leisure, retail, catering, food processing, offices, manufacturing and more. From soaps and hygienic hand rubs that can be used repeatedly throughout a busy shift in hospitals, to specialist hand cleaners that remove tough soils from the hands of heavy-industry workers, GOJO has an effective solution to remove germs and dirt, whilst protecting skin health.

Backed by a wealth of scientific expertise and specialist formulations, GOJO is committed to developing sustainable products that deliver results and maintain skin health. PURELL remains the market leader, thanks to its focus on formulation without compromise.

For more information, call +44 (0)1908 588444, email CustomerExperienceUK@GOJO.com, or visit https://www.gojo.eu/uk

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

CHSA’s Half Year Report Shows Members High Levels of Compliance with Accreditation Scheme Specifications ‘Our Standards. Your Guarantee.’

The 2023 half year report produced by the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association’s Independent Inspector shows high levels of compliance amongst CHSA Accreditation Scheme members.

Scheme logo to guarantee quality.”

The CHSA operates six Accreditation Schemes. They are for manufacturers of paper-based products, plastic-based

products, cotton-based products, and cleaning chemicals, for general manufacturers and for distributors of cleaning and hygiene products.

By 30 June, the Inspector had completed 83 audits, just over half the total scheduled for 2023.

During the auditing process the Independent Inspector

During the inspections approximately 1,000 labels have been checked to make sure they accurately represent the content of the packaging, guaranteeing ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’. Approximately 2,700 individual products have been checked, making sure they meet the specifications of the relevant Accreditation Scheme standard. For distributor members, the Independent Inspector has checked approximately 24,000 stock lines.

weight and or performance of the product. He also assesses

While the full year results for 2023 will be published in January 2024, the interim results indicate high levels of compliance.

“The integrity of our Accreditation Schemes is at the heart of all we do,” explained Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the CHSA. “People must be able to trust the CHSA mark wherever they see it, reccognising the Accreditation Scheme logo as a guarantee of quality. The interim audit results for 2023 provide the evidence buyers need to know our members continue to maintain standards.

“Our advice to buyers is to look first for the Accreditation

checks the labels contain the required information and that the product is as stated on the label. Depending on the

product, this involves checking the sheet count, width, duty,

1.

All statements and claims are truthful.

2. Supporting evidence, such as data sheets, reports and

certificates, are available on request to substantiate all product and service claims.

3. All statements and claims are transparent. For example, it is clearly indicated if the claim applies to the product, the packaging or both.

4. All statements and claims are meaningful. For example, the term eco-friendly must be defined in relation to all

aspects of the product and substantiated across the full lifecycle.

This formal commitment to ethical marketing was developed

the member’s quality assurance procedures. For distributors

to address the growing problem of spurious, misleading and

Manufacturer and where it is not, that it conforms to the

chemicals. Typical claims that lack supporting evidence

he confirms if product is from a CHSA Accredited specification of the relevant scheme.

Committed to the integrity of the Schemes, the CHSA’s

governing Council will expel any Scheme member who,

despite being offered the guidance required to correct issues, consistently fails to conform to the relevant Scheme Standard.

Members of CHSA Accreditation Scheme for Cleaning Chemicals sign commitment to ethical marketing The members of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers

Association’s (CHSA) Accreditation Scheme for Cleaning

Chemicals have signed a commitment to ethical marketing.

The commitment states members adhere to four ethical principles:

unsubstantiated claims being made about cleaning

relate to the efficacy of the products and many

environmental credentials are little more than greenwashing.

All members of the CHSA adhere to the requirements of the

relevant Accreditation and have signed the Association’s

rigorous Code of Practice, which incorporates the

Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code. It

means CHSA members:

• Trade ethically and sustainably;

• Provide supporting information for claims made; • Provide quality, fit for purpose products; and

• Make sure what’s on the box is what’s in the box.

@CHSACleaning www.CHSA.co.uk

PAGE 36 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

CATERING FOR CARE

Texture Modified Diets For Dysphagia Understanding and managing the nutritional needs of the elderly suffering from dysphagia, requires caterers in a care home environment to be suitably trained and skilled up in this area.

Those suffering from dysphagia have difficulties in swallowing, and are likely to require a specially prepared diet. Dysphagia is reported by the World Gastroenterology Organisation to affect over 50% of all elderly patients in care homes worldwide, so a condition that most care home caterers are going to need to manage at some time.

There are many causes of dysphagia including neurological conditions such as dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and motor neurone disease.

Individuals with head and neck cancer also commonly suffer with dysphagia. Due to the increased incidence of these diseases with age, it follows that many elderly residents of care homes are at risk of dysphagia. Those who struggle with dysphagia are at risk of choking when they eat food or drink not suited to their swallowing abilities. They are also at risk of aspiration pneumonia; this is where food or fluid enters the lungs, potentially leading to chest infections and hospital admissions.

Whatever the cause of the dysphagia, affected individuals are likely to struggle with certain textures of food and drink. Initially any resident identified as struggling to swallow should have an urgent swallow assessment carried out by a trained professional such as a speech and language ther-

apist. A texture modified diet might then be needed, where food is moistened, mashed or pureed to make it safer for an individual to eat. Fluids may also need to be thickened.

Tess Warnes, dietitian at food procurement specialist allmanhall has suggestions for caterers on how to provide a nourishing, safe, and tasty texture modified diet. “Given the risks associated with giving the wrong texture to an at-risk individual, care home caterers should be knowledgeable on how to create dishes with the appropriate texture, with access to relevant training. A useful source of information is the ‘International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative’ (IDDSI) , a framework which grades different textures between levels 1-7. Many individuals with dysphagia are at risk of malnutrition due to poor nutritional intake. Therefore, they may benefit from meals which are fortified with added butter, cheese and cream to increase the energy content of their meals. Adding these may affect the overall texture of the food.

Consider offering texture modified snacks between meals as this is the time of day when individuals with dysphagia will miss out if nothing is available for them. Flavour is important to consider so use herbs and spices to add interest to the meal without compromising the texture. Salt can be added but be aware that too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure.” https://allmanhall.co.uk/blog/texture-modified-diets-for-dysphagia

5-Star Food Ratings Awarded to All 23 Orchard Care Homes sites

Orchard Care Homes, with homes across the North of England and Midlands, is celebrating after achieving an outstanding 5-star food hygiene rating group-wide.

All 23 of Orchard’s homes have been awarded FSA (Food Standards Agency) 5-star rating, only given to businesses after careful consideration of three key criteria - how hygienically the food is handled, the physical condition of the business and how the business manages ways of keeping food safe. Specific areas analysed included cleanliness, layout, lighting, ventilation and pest control; as well as looking at processes, training and systems to ensure good hygiene is maintained.

The 100% record was confirmed when the company’s Riverdale care home in Chesterfield received the latest 5-star rating at after an inspection in September.

Orchard Care Homes previously achieved this group-wide validation in 2019 and repeating the feat has only been possible through a commitment to maintaining the

highest catering standards.

Orchard Care Homes commit to ensuring everyone receives a varied menu with the very highest quality of food. As well as holding high preparation and hygiene standards, chefs work alongside those who have specific dietary requirements to develop a menu that suits individual tastes and needs.

Jason Hunter, Catering Lead at Orchard (pictured above), commented, “We are very proud to have been recognised at the highest level by the FSA. The 5-star accolade reflects the attention to detail and high standards across Orchard’s group portfolio. We are mindful of all nutrition needs, as evidence shows that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and cereals, and low in red meat and sugar could help reduce dementia risks. Our seasonal menus are enjoyed by all, and we take great satisfaction in delivering quality, nutritious meals.”

PAGE 38 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

CATERING FOR CARE

Food Cost Savings During High Inflation? allmanhall Make It Possible.

Taylor & Taylor, a group of family-owned residential care homes approached food procurement experts, allmanhall, looking to achieve scalable cost savings and efficiencies to support their growth. They needed to ensure no detrimental impact to the excellent quality of their food offering and their residents’ dining pleasure.

Their desire was to achieve a 5% food cost saving and to ensure ongoing effective management of catering budgets and invoicing. Operationally, access to reports and insights were key, as was ease of ordering and management of stock and deliveries. allmanhall undertook a like-for-like benchmark and identified food cost savings of 11.4% - more than double the initial objective! A few months into the contract, allmanhall undertook further analysis and the real-life saving is actually 18%. On the multi-temp category, allmanhall have in fact delivered savings of 21.4% in a time of 17%+ food inflation!

Proactive buy right recommendations from allmanhall will deliver an extra 2.9% saving. Protein savings and an ABL have also been proposed to drive further value.

allmanhall have implemented industry-leading catering controls technology, providing the homes with tools such as stock taking and standing orders. Central billing is also a big win, with allmanhall consolidating all supplier invoices into just one invoice per month, per home.

From the start, everything has been expertly managed, and the transition has been fully supported: “I would wholeheartedly recommend allmanhall’s services to others in the care sector and I look forward to continuing to grow our offering and provide outstanding food for our residents.”

– Chris Rees, Group Executive Chef Why not let allmanhall support your food procurement? They will deliver savings, reassurance and efficiencies. allmanhall will give you more time to focus on your residents and on addressing labour challenges.

See the advert on this page for further details.

Turner Price Strengthens Position in Care Home Sector Though NACC Premier Partnership Turner Price have announced a new partnership with the National Association of Care Catering (NACC).

The Yorkshire based foodservice provider has officially become a Premier Partner and will become an active member of the North and Midlands branches, as well as contributing at a national level.

Jason Watkins, Head of Sales at Turner Price, has a long connection with the NACC and says the new relationship will further strengthen the wholesalers’ position with the care sector.

He said: “We are proud of our history of supplying care caterers, something that our business has been built on for over 30 years.

Across the North and the Midlands, we service independent and care home groups, hospices, meals on wheels, rehabilitation centres and hospitals.

“This new partnership with the NACC will mean we can offer more support to our existing caterers, as well as showcase our trusted service to new potential care providers. The NACC are hugely respected, and we look forward to exhibiting at the Training & Development Forum event in October and working closely with the association over the coming years.”

The National Chair of the NACC, Sue Cawthray, also welcomes the

news of Turner Price becoming a Premier Partner. She said: “The NACC is delighted to welcome Turner Price as a new Premier Partner, who provide a vital contribution to the work of the Associations. This is certainly a time when we need all our partners working within Care Catering to show their commitment to the health and social care sector and we look forward to working more closely with Turner Price in the future.”

Turner Price is a large delivered foodservice wholesaler who supplies over 2,500 businesses across large parts of the UK. Turner Price customers includes coffee shops, QSR operators, pubs, hotels, restaurants, schools, universities, care homes and hospitals.

For further information please visit www.turner-price.com

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 39

LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS

Cutting-Edge Commercial Laundry Equipment for Healthcare Facilities Maintaining impeccable cleanliness and hygiene standards is paramount for care homes, hospices, nursing homes, and healthcare institutions. MAG Laundry Equipment, with a nationwide presence of skilled engineers, has been a trusted partner for over 10,000 care homes, offering a comprehensive range of products, services, information, and unwavering support.

MAG's extensive product lineup encompasses commercial-grade washing machines, tumble dryers, ironing machines, presses, and top-quality detergents. With a legacy spanning a century, dating back to 1922, MAG has consistently evolved and refined its offerings, culminating in some of the industry's most dependable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective machines

available today.

For those in search of superior washing results capable of removing the most stubborn stains, MAG Laundry Equipment is your go-to source for expert advice. Notably, their washing machines come equipped with complete thermal disinfection capabilities, a standard feature designed to assist nursing homes in not only meeting but surpassing the latest regulatory requirements.

Discover how MAG can assist your care home's laundry operations by reaching out to them at 01353 883025 or visiting their website at https://maglaundryequipment.co.uk/sectors/nursing-care-homes/.

Forbes’ Laundry Consultants Help Care Homes Optimise Savings and Operations When looking for a commercial laundry solution, Forbes Professional stands out as a leading provider with its client-centric approach and unparalleled expertise. At the heart of their success is a consultative methodology that ensures every client receives a laundry rental solution tailored to their specific needs.

Forbes Professional deliver’s comprehensive service packages with inclusive delivery, installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance, to ensure a hassle-free experience for care sector clients. Forbes’ consultative approach also enables them to ensure that care homes can truly optimise both savings and efficiency. By providing solutions that extend beyond the surface, Forbes empowers clients to make informed decisions that have a profound impact on their operations and bottom line. Their consultants deliver detailed calculations of cost projections, with an emphasis on the importance of whole life cost analysis.

Whilst rental relinquishes clients of the burden of large upfront payments, Forbes Professional recognises that making informed decisions goes beyond looking at initial expenses and procurement or rental prices.

Their team educates clients on energy-efficient solutions, exemplified by the remarkable 70% energy savings achievable with heat pump dryers compared to standard condenser dryers. To underscore the advantages of Forbes’ strategy, their analysis for a new client recently resulted in a staggering projected running cost saving of £1,000,000 throughout the contract's duration.

Forbes’ meticulous approach translates into not only cost savings but also environmental responsibility, as energy-efficient equipment contributes to a greener footprint. Forbes Professional's dedication to creating value for clients by optimising efficiency and minimising costs is a testament to their industry leadership.

Choosing Forbes Professional means opting for more than just laundry solutions; it's a commitment to a partnership that prioritises specific needs, longterm benefits, and sustainability. In an era where sustainability, practicality and financial prudence are paramount, Forbes’ consultative approach and focus on holistic value, delivers transformative solutions to care homes across the UK. www.forbespro.co.uk | info@forbes-professional.co.uk | 0345 070 2335

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LAUNDRY SOLUTIONS Preserving Identity and Preventing Loss: Cash's Apparel Solutions' Century-Long Legacy Cash's Apparel Solutions has been at the forefront of manufacturing woven nametapes for over a century, serving the nursing home sector and beyond. Their nametapes have become synonymous with preserving identity, preventing lost garments, and delivering personalised identity items and gifts.

Preserving dignity Cash's woven nametapes provide a simple yet effective solution to labelling clothing in nursing homes minimising distress caused by lost garments, fostering an environment where residents are seen and respected for who they are.

Cash's has earned a global reputation for reliability and quality. Their woven nametapes are sold and utilised worldwide, serving as a testament to their effectiveness.

In addition, Cash's Apparel Solutions goes beyond their renowned nametapes. Their expertise in weaving and personalisation allows them to create a diverse range of identity items and gifts. From personalized badges to custom keyrings and promotional products, Cash's demonstrates their versatility in meeting unique customer needs. By offering tailored solutions, they

celebrate individuality, making a significant contribution to the spirit of personalisation and fostering a sense of belonging.

A Century of Excellence: Cash's century-long presence in the industry showcases their enduring commitment to excellence.

They have adapted and innovated, embracing modern technology and evolving customer demands. Cash's unwavering dedication to their craft and the nursing home sector demonstrates their genuine concern for residents' well-being and comfort.

In conclusion, Cash's has established itself as a leader in manufacturing woven nametapes, personalised identity items and gifts. With their century-long legacy of quality, reliability, and attention to detail, Cash's continues to make a significant impact in the nursing home sector and beyond. By preserving identity, preventing loss, and embracing personalisation, Cash's Apparel Solutions truly embodies their commitment to enhancing safety, dignity, and individuality in care facilities worldwide.

Visit www.cashslabels.com

Commercial Kitchen and Laundry Solutions (CKLS)

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

Commercial Kitchen and Laundry Solutions (CKLS) are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of commercial kitchen and laundry equipment. Whether you are a small sized residential home or large scale nursing home group, CKLS has the expertise and equipment you need to keep your operations running smoothly.

At CKLS, we understand that the success of your business depends on the quality of the equipment you use. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide businesses across the UK with the highest quality commercial laundry and kitchen equipment available. We work with only the best manufacturers in the industry to ensure that our customers get the most reliable and efficient equipment possible.

Our commitment to our customers doesn’t end with the sale of our equipment. At CKLS, we know that maintenance and repairs are crucial to keeping your equipment functioning at its best. That’s why we offer a full range of maintenance and repair serv-

ices to our customers, including emergency repair services available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We believe that our success as a company is measured by the success of our customers. That’s why we’re constantly striving to provide better products and services to help our customers achieve their goals. We’re proud to say that our commitment to excellence has earned us a reputation as the goto provider of commercial laundry and kitchen equipment in the UK. So, if you’re looking for reliable, high-quality commercial laundry and kitchen equipment, look no further than CKLS. With our extensive range of products and services, we’re confident that we can help you find the right equipment to meet your needs and keep your business running smoothly for years to come.

Visit our website www.ckls.co.uk, contact by phone on 01200 411914 or email at sales@ckls.co.uk.

PAGE 42 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

FURNITURE AND FITTINGS Mr Trax Curtain & Blind Solutions Blueleaf Launches New Bedroom Range with Faster Delivery Times

Mr Trax Curtain & Blind Solutions aims to provide a first class service across a wide range of products and bespoke fittings thanks to its two decades of experience, with many previous clients in the care sector.

Mr Trax has a range of NHS compliant fabrics for use in care homes, including ‘blackout’. They can supply and fit a wide range of flame retardant curtains and blinds in various fabrics to be made to your sizes and fitted using heavy duty fittings and rails.

Curtains can normally be made and installed within four weeks and blinds in two weeks.Fire retardant blinds on heavy weight systems are readily available and can be manually controlled or electrically operated. They also have antimicrobial options as well all at varying prices all normally available in two-three weeks. Faster times are available on some products.

The company is affiliated with Checkatrade where you can see customer reviews, including this recent

comment: “Douglas did a fantastic job fitting our shutters and curtain rail. He even fitted an extra rail for us which we had bought ourselves! Friendly and efficient service, plus great looking results. Very pleased would definitely recommend!”

Based in Hailsham, East Sussex and owned and run

by Doug and Carol Coe, the firm also provides a number of corded and motorised options for blinds as well as curtains, and offers a comprehensive range of shutters.

Doug says: “We stock two ranges of silent gliss corded curtain tracks and two ranges of silent gliss uncorded curtain tracks the fitted prices for which are available on this website. All of the aluminium silent gliss tracks stock can be shaped and fitted into bay windows, as can some of the poles. We also have ready access to many more ranges of both tracks and poles, most of which we can get in one working day.

“To read more of what our customers say about us please do look us up on Checkatrade: checkatrade.com/mrtrax” Call now to speak to one of our team on 0800 3345114 or 07968 242004, email us at: doug@mrtrax.co.uk

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

approach, and the feeling of shared ownership, can be a significant benefit in making the resident feel comfortable from the start.

The choice of eight pre-designed schemes – carefully created by a team of visionary designers who specialise in care design – also significantly eases the buying process, and ensures the rooms are compliant with industry regulation and entirely fit for purpose. It takes the burden of responsibility for the interior design away from the care home manager and puts it into the hands of experts more skilled in the role.

Ellen Brown, Sales and Marketing Director of Blueleaf, says Stock 7 is yet another example of how Blueleaf, the nationwide business that helps care the business is delivering on its mission to help care homes deliver better outcomes, has launched Stock 7, home providers deliver exceptional outcomes: “With an updated range of bedroom refit solutions that can Stock 7 we are giving care homes a refurbishment be delivered quickly from UK stock to help care option that offers a fast turnaround, comprehensive providers avoid the cost of empty rooms. styling, and a quick return on investment.

The new range comprises eight different bedroom “Whether a care home is looking to refit an individschemes to match different tastes and budgets. They ual room to welcome a new guest, or is undertaking a include not only beds and mattresses, wardrobes, and home-wide refurbishment programme, we have the other associated furniture, but also matching curtains, quality designs to reflect your brand and the quality soft furnishings and linen. The schemes also include of care you provide.” ancillary items such as crash mats and overbed For more information, visit: tables. Paints and finishes are also recommended for www.blueleafcare.com/ each of the designs.

The launch of Stock 7 addresses one of the principal issues that every care home faces – the need to maintain 100% occupancy levels wherever possible. Rather than having to wait up to three months for a new suite to be delivered, Stock 7 can be delivered and installed within seven working days, anywhere in the UK. If time and situation permits, the speed of delivery enables a care home to consult with the families of a new guest and the guest themselves on the style and colours that would suit them best. Taking an inclusive

Alpha Furniture Alpha Furniture are well suited to projects of all sizes, from refreshing a couple of bedrooms to a full fit-out of all areas in a new or refurbished home. We are also able to help propose designs, or put you in touch with experienced interior designers. And if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, send us a picture and we will almost certainly be able to quote for an identical or similar style.

We are fully committed to supplying high quality contract furni-

Rosehill Furnishings Rosehill are proud to have a long-standing history within the furniture industry. It’s their unique history and knowledge of the market which sets them apart from the rest. They’re committed to quality, and their standards have continued to excel over the last 40 years.

The expert team at Rosehill understand the market and can tailor

ture products at great value with excellent service.

Once again we have been able to add many new items to our range of durable quality furniture to make this the most comprehensive Care Home Furniture Direct website to date.

In these financially testing times we have excelled at bringing customers high quality products at the very best value. To cope with raw material price fluctuations we regularly review our prices to ensure we remain competitive, passing any savings on to you quickly.

As ever, quality products and attentive service remain our top priorities.

See the advert on this page for further information. your order to suit your exact requirements. With over four decades experience in the industry, you can feel at ease knowing that you’re in safe hands. They take pride in the quality products they supply which are built to last, while also being great value for money.

Rosehill have experience working with healthcare organisations who require durable and comfortable seating for their patients and staff. Rosehill specialise in seating and tables for care home lounges, dining rooms, visitor and waiting rooms, wards, staff rooms and FF&E packages.

Options include bariatric seats, anti-microbial vinyl and fabrics for hygiene and infection control, high back chairs with head support and armchairs.

Product Highlights • High back chairs with head support and wingback models.

• Chairs which have been tested for bariatric use.

• Their upholstered chairs can be supplied with antimicrobial vinyl and wood finishes for hygiene and infection control.

• Models are available with arms to assist people getting up and down from their seat.

• Made to order products in a huge range of colours and finishes to fit in with your existing décor.

• Lounge chairs, side chairs and coffee tables, which are designed to enhance your communal areas.

• Dining chairs and armchairs with stylish and durable tables in a range of shapes and sizes.

• Bedroom furniture with fitted items in high quality finishes.

• Outdoor furniture and benches.

• Complimentary breakout, modular and office furniture for staff areas and receptions Their furniture is available in a variety of styles and is designed and manufactured to help you provide a safe and comfortable seating option for your staff, patients and visitors. Their range is high quality and built to offer great comfort, and durability for furniture that lasts.

Browse their wide range of furniture for your care home, clinic, ward or waiting room online at www.rosehill.co.uk, or call 0161 485 1717 to request a brochure or discuss your requirements with their helpful sales team.

Visit www,rosehill.co.uk

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 43

FURNITURE AND FITTINGS

CCP Contract Furniture

CCP is an established independent supplier of products and furniture to the healthcare and leisure contract markets. CCP is proud to offer excellent customer service and where required we can offer an initial consultation to understand your exact needs. We can offer design ideas too.

Visit www.cavendishcareproducts.co.uk to see our standard portfolio of dining room, bedroom, lounge, reception and occasional furniture. We also supply a full range of additional items including profile beds and mattresses and can supply all your sundry items including a full

range of towels, bedding and table linen.

If you can’t see what you need on our website... tell us what you need & we’ll send you some ideas.

If we don’t stock it... we’ll source it If we can’t source it... we’ll make it If you are looking to refurbish, update or require a full turn-key package for a new build than look no further than CCP. We are proud to offer quality products at competitive prices with delivery available throughout the UK. T: 01423 359242 sales@ccpuk.co.uk : www.ccpuk.co.uk

Skopos Fabrics, Meeting the Requirements for Caring Interiors Each year Skopos launch new collections, developed specifically with Care interiors in mind. In time for Care Show 23 Skopos will be launching 2 new collections aimed to provide a Boutique, relaxed feel for Caring interiors.

Chamonix Deuxieme, a collection of 38 upholstery fabrics, includes our most popular designs, Slalom, Orelle and Marmotte, in a fresh new palette, offering an antimicrobial, impervious solution for Care home furniture fabric and hospitality settings. Alongside this collection we will be showcasing our new print, Treehouse. This collection evokes a whimsical, enchanting mood in an uplifting colour palette of brights and elegant neutrals, perfect for bedrooms or public areas. Designs, Milly (graphic petal), Eve (floral)and Guinevere (paisley) all bring something different providing choice for customers for cushions, curtains, bedding and upholstery and work well with Skopos’ accent plains.

Skopos can offer a fabric-only service or a full serv-

ice; with site measure, product manufacture and installation. The Skopos team produce approximately 25,000 made-up items each year, including bed-throws, cushions and pairs of curtains, all manufactured by a highly-skilled team of machinists, cutters and pattern makers; items that are delivered and installed into different contract environments.

As with all Skopos prints, customers are able to order designs across base-cloths for upholstery, curtains and bedding.

Qualities include waterproof upholsteries, velvets, drapery linen-effect qualities and blackout/dimout fabrics.

Skopos also offers a Bespoke design service, for statement interiors that require something different.

Our design team will work alongside you to develop ideas which can make your caring interior personal, branded and unique.

For samples of any of our collections www.skoposfabrics.com

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

PAGE 44 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

DEMENTIA CARE Music Charity Inspires Staff Rise & Shine Game Promotes Mobility and Wellbeing Working In Dementia Care with New Free Resource A music charity with more than 25 years’ experience of working with care staff has released a new, free resource to inspire and encourage the use of music in dementia care.

Music as Therapy International is a UK-registered charity which believes in the power of music to strengthen care. For more than 25 years they have worked alongside people on the frontlines of care, offering training and support to help them introduce and embed music into the care they provide.

The charity is now sharing a free resource for caregivers of people living with dementia, in the hope it will inspire and encourage them to introduce music into their day-to-day care routines.

The charity’s director, Alexia Quin OBE, said: “There’s a wealth of research which evidences the proven ways music can have a huge positive impact on the lives and wellbeing of people with dementia.

As well as reducing agitation and distress, music can join a fragmented existence together, giving people a sense of who they are in the here-and-now and offer them ways to connect with those around them.

“Caregivers tell us that incorporating music into their caring relationships not only benefits the person living with dementia, but makes a positive difference to their own well-being. That said, it can feel daunting, given a lack of time, resources and confidence.

But it can be simpler than you think.

“This new resource is an accessible introduction for people who are interested in using music in the care they provide. With simple prompts, tips and guidance on what to look out for when using music, we hope we can inspire caregivers to give it a try – and see for themselves the impact it can have.”

The free resource, titled ‘Be inspired: The role of music in dementia care’ is designed to help readers explore the role music can play in the care of people living with dementia. It includes ideas, questions and inspiration for choosing the right music to use, as well as things to look out for to help make the most

of any shared musical experiences.

The content of the booklet has been created as part of the development of a new online training course – titled ‘Music Helps’ - that the charity is aiming to launch later this year.

Music Helps is an online training course created specifically to help caregivers working with people living with dementia. The interactive four-hour course comprises five chapters offering guidance, videos, exercises, and resources to give caregivers an understanding of the role music can play in the care they provide, whether at home or in a residential setting.

Music Helps has already been developed and run with caregivers in India for over 12 months. The strong feedback from among more than 100 caregivers who have enrolled onto the course includes 100% of participants saying what they learnt from Music Helps has helped them get to know the person living with dementia better, and 97% feeling it has helped their own well-being.

Anyone interested to learn more about the role of music in dementia care can view and download the new resource for free from the charity’s website, where they can also register their interest to be one of the first to gain access to the Music Helps online course when it is launched.

For more information, please visit www.musicastherapy.org

In an effort to combat the nationwide issue of reduced mobility among senior citizens, an exciting game called "Rise & Shine" is making waves in healthcare and social care communities.

Developed with the goal of encouraging physical activity in elderly individuals, this innovative game consists of 30 uniquely designed tiles, adorned with playful illustrations by renowned artist and sculptor Bob Olley.

The game is designed to be played in group settings, with healthcare staff identifying participants who would benefit from engaging in physical activity. After receiving their tiles, participants join in activities suited to their needs, such as chair exercises or walking. Once the activities are completed, tiles are placed into the

"Rise & Shine Post-box." As the game progresses, a draw determines the winner, who receives a small prize.

Rise & Shine has been trialled successfully at Sunderland Royal Hospital and South Tyneside District Hospital. Feedback from both patients and staff has been overwhelmingly positive, with improvements in mobility and morale noted among participants.

By incorporating Rise & Shine into their routines, caregivers and healthcare providers can play a crucial role in keeping our elderly community active, engaged, and mobile, ultimately enhancing their wellbeing and independence. www.riseandshinegame.com or see the advert on the front cover.

The Well-being Suite The Well-being Suite was carefully designed to promote well being, foster connection and enhance engagement within a care facility. The innovative suite brings people together enhancing overall wellbeing – sharing enjoyment, nurturing a sense of belonging, creating friendship and cohesion.

Unlock cognitive potential with a vast range of activities crafted to stimulate these abilities, engaging minds and maintaining mental agility. These activities foster memory retention, attention span and critical thinking skills. As well as allowing the residents to unlock their creativity and imagination, the activities give a sense of accomplishment, boost self

esteem and nurture personal growth.

The Well-being Suite promotes social interaction, allowing residents to engage in group participation – sharing enjoyment, building connections, nurturing a sense of belonging, friendship and social cohesion.

Activities have been designed to range from cognitive stimulation, creativity, multi sensory engagement and emotional well being. Guided breathing exercises, expressive art therapies and virtual nature journeys provide moments of tranquillity and emotional respite for residents.

See the advert below for further information.

Top tips for decorating care homes

can appear as a step up or down – as this can be perceived as a hazard, so ensuring the flooring is a consistent tone is therefore crucial.

Other areas of consideration

Alongside critical surfaces, the furnishings of care homes should also be taken into account. They should contrast with critical surfaces so they can be quickly identified. Plus, furniture in a range of shapes and sizes helps increase the residents’ independence: variety provides choice and offers more options to suit needs and preferences.

Lighting should also be a consideration. With residents spending much of their time indoors, it is vital that lighting chosen helps stimulate and mimic sleep-wake cycles.

Good lighting is also important in helping residents identify spaces and enjoy their everyday routines and activities, as well as reducing glare and shadows that can cause confusion.

The perfect paint

While the choice of colours is critical to the wellbeing of residents with dementia, it is the type of paint that keeps the surfaces in the best condition for longer.

Every September, people from around the world come together for World Alzheimer’s Month to educate people about the disease and how to care for those affected, all while challenging the stigma surrounding it. Andrew Cleaver, National Sector Manager for Healthcare at Dulux Trade, explains how designing care homes correctly can improve residents’ quality of life.

There are over 17,000 care homes in the UK1 and according to studies by building and construction market researchers AMA, “the demand for additional capacity within the care home market is likely to start rising again within the next couple of years2”. To support residents living with dementia, it is important that those developing or reinvigorating care facilities know the key design concepts that can aid wayfinding and independence.

Colour is critical

While there is no right or wrong way to colour a healthcare setting, the shades used need to be carefully selected to ensure that critical surfaces – walls, doors, floors and ceilings – are all easily identifiable. This means choosing colours that are all 30 light reflectance value points apart.

For example:

Main walls

Soft, calm tones should be used on main walls. The calm hue of the Dulux Colour of the Year 2024, Sweet

EmbraceTM, is a prime example. It is a subtle, serene standalone shade that makes bolder tones used on other critical surfaces stand out.

In addition, the Colour of the Year was launched alongside three complementary palettes. For bedroom and living spaces, look to the soft blues and greens in the Calm palette (such as Serene Waters or Fresh Foliage) that can help to create a positive, soothing environment for residents.

The 2024 Colour of the Year, and the shades in its corresponding palettes, can be selected for products across the Dulux Trade range of paints. This means that no matter the project, there is a paint and colour suitable for it.

Feature walls

Feature walls should not just be added for visual interest, but to also aid wayfinding. Using more saturated hues – such as the warm terracotta and sand colours in the Warm palette, or modern ochres and lilacs in the Uplifting palette – at the end of corridors, behind kitchen serving areas, or at the front of the living room will act a clever visual prompt and help visually zone areas. A variety of these colours can also be used to visually differentiate each storey of a care home.

Doors

Bolder shades should be used on doors to make them more obvious against the softer tones of the walls. The deeper blues and greens in the Calm palette such as Sapphire Salute or Neptune Seas contrast well with Sweet Embrace™, while also remaining tranquil and easy on the eye.

On the other hand, staff-only doors and supply cupboards should be painted in the same colour as the walls, so they blend in, and limit prohibited access.

Floors

Floors are also considered a critical surface, and the design of these is just as important as the walls enclosing them. High sheen should be avoided, as it can make surfaces appear slippery, and reflect light, which can create confusing shadows. Bold patterns and stripes can also be disorientating, and make the floor feel unstable. In addition, contrast between flooring in one room to the next

When designing or redeveloping care facilities, consider a durable paint that will stand the test of time, and limit the disruption caused by potential future redecoration work.

The recently reformulated Dulux Trade Diamond Matt is compliant with BS EN ISO 11998 Class 1 and BS 7719 Class C and can withstand 10,000 scrubs (the equivalent of five hours non-stop scrubbing). It also delivers additional resistance to oil-based stains, such as food or cosmetics, to help stop stains from being absorbed into the surface, making them easier to clean.

Healthcare environments could also be decorated with antibacterial paint. In such busy environments, fingers, liquids and vapours can often come into contact with walls, which can encourage the spread of germs. Reduce this risk by using a paint such as Dulux Trade Sterishield, which inhibits bacteria and reduces population of MRSA and E.coli, and, when combined with appropriate cleaning practices, helps achieve a more hygienic environment.

For more information about the Colour of the Year 2024, please visit www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/ en/colour-of-the-year-2024

For further information about designing for dementia, please visit: www.duluxtradepaintexpert.co.uk/en/content/occd-hub

1 https://www.carehome.co.uk/advice/care-home-stats-number-of-settings-population-workforce#:~:text=There%20are%20about%2017%2C100%20care,total%20number%20of%20care%20homes.&text=Figures%20correct%20as%20of%208%20August%202022 2 https://www.amaresearch.co.uk/report/care-home-construction-market-report-uk-2021-2025/

PAGE 46 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES C&S Seating Ltd C&S Seating Ltd have provided postural control equipment to residential homes, hospices, medical equipment services and NHS trust hospitals nationwide since 1991.

With 9 different sizes of T-Rolls and Log Rolls, in a removable and machine washable Waterproof Titex or Soft Knit material. These rolls are used to control posture and position of the body in either supine or side lying. Our Knee & Leg support wedges are available in 2 sizes.

C&S Seating Ltd is the sole manufacturer of the Alternative Positioning Support – also available in two sizes, which has removable side cushions and middle pommel for when more control of the abducted lower

limb is required.

Our popular and vibrant range of Soft Knit covers in a choice of 5 colours, provide a softer alternative, ideal for the colder seasons and are designed to fit snug over our waterproof rolls for maximum protection and comfort.

Contact us on 01424 853331 or visit www.cands-seating.co.uk to request or download a brochure, pricelist or order form, request an individualised quotation, speak to an advisor or to place an order. See the advert on page 6.

Make First Impressions Count with Major Plants

Major Plants Limited specialises in providing costeffective and visually striking hanging basket maintenance services. This means we design plant arrangements to suit your business, using a combination of hanging baskets and window boxes.

We know that busy carers have enough work to do without trying to remember whether the flowers have been watered, fed, or tidied up. Calling in the experts like Major Plants Limited means that you can get on with your premises while we ensure that outside, your plant arrangements and presentation never let you down.

Besides our regular floral display services, we also offer a full package maintenance plan for your grounds and gardens.

Whether you are seeking an alternative quotation to compare with an existing supplier or are looking at external flower arrangements for the first time our flexible agreement and personal service will give you a piece of mind reliable support for your business.

Please get in touch!

0800 111 4014 – info@majorplants.co.uk Or see the advert on page 15.

HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors Consort Claudgen Introduces Wi-Fi

HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors protect the elderly and disabled people from fall-related hip fractures.

Designed to protect elderly people from fall related hip fractures, HipSavers are a leading brand of soft hip protectors. Used in the NHS since 2002, HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors are user friendly, affordable and cost-effective personal protective garments.

Soft, comfortable, effective and compatible with incontinence protection, HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors are perfect for use in care homes and by elderly people living independently.

HipSavers should be worn day and night for 24 hour protection and especially during physical and recreational activities, when accidental falls, slips and trips can lead to hip fractures.

Available as comfortable underwear or long casual

pants in several sizes for men and women, HipSavers feature soft protective airPads permanently sewn into the garments over the hip areas prone to injuries and fractures. HipSaver TailBone models have an additional protective airPad over the coccyx on lower back for protection during swaying, accidental knocks, bumps and backward falling.

Machine washable at high temperature and tumble drier friendly, HipSavers are practical, hygienic and durable.

HipSaver Soft Hip Protectors - affordable protective garments for the elderly and disabled people!

For more information see the adverts on the front cover and page 3 or contact Win Health Medical Ltd 01835 864866 - www.win-health.com

Yeoman Shield Fire Door Services Fire Doors are an imperative part of fire safety and are considerations of the design and maintenance of any building, but especially residential.

Article 17 – RRFSO states fire safety provisions (includes fire doors) must be maintained in a suitable condition and working order.

Yeoman Shield’s Fire Door Services can help to take the guess work out of fire door maintenance by providing fire door inspections, condition reports, remedial work and fire door installation all carried out

by FDIS and/or FIRAS accredited team members Having a good maintenance routine will dispel some needs of fire door replacement therefore being more cost effective.

The implementation of Yeoman Shield Fire Rated Door Protection products can also be in the long term

financially beneficial by halting impact damage from the start eliminating many repairs in the future and again will extend door lifecycles.

Installing Yeoman Shield door protection products such as, door protection panels, door edge protectors and PVCu glazing bead units will not affect the integrity of the fire door as all products have been tested, in situ, to the current standard required.

Vulnerable frames and architraves can also be protected from impact with Yeoman Shield to prevent dangerous splintering and splitting as well as abolishing the time-consuming, repetitive need for repainting.

For a complete repair and protect service contact the team today frdp@yeomanshield.com or visit www.yeomanshield.com or see the advert page 10.

EAIS - The Ideal Solution

EAIS is a leading Manufacturer and Supplier of storage and transportation products supplied both to the Foodservice and Healthcare industries. Proud to be based in King’s Lynn, Norfolk we are renowned for our innovation and ability to offer solutions which not only meet the customer’s demands, but their expectations as well. Whether you are looking for food storage shelving, racking systems, trolleys and fabrication, or maybe its healthcare shelving and medical trolleys or even

Wippet For Care Wippet For Care is the simplest and most versatile way to procure everything you need for your care home. Wippet is your gateway to fair prices from known and trusted suppliers.

Wippet is not a supplier, we have sourced many different suppliers onto our platform. Any healthcare business, small or large, can buy from Wippet.

At Wippet, our purpose is to provide fair market prices to all care operators. So, we have pre-negotiated prices from known and trusted suppliers to the care sector giving instant savings across your purchases.

Our platform and 3 unique services, designed by care procurement specialists, Club, Partner and Fuse are adaptable to the smallest and largest care operators.

- All suppliers routinely, independently checked and vetted.

- Care procurement specialists negotiating with suppliers on behalf of our customers.

- Bolt-on functionality and additional services as you need them.

- More than 50 suppliers and 50,000 products and services already available.

- One login, one basket, one invoice.

WIPPET CLUB

bespoke design products. With the combination of our ability to hold vast stocks of our key product lines, combined with our hugely experienced and award winning customer service it has made EAIS the number one choice within the Industry.

Why not put us to the test and let EAIS become your Ideal Solution? Contact our sales department on either 01553 765205 or sales@eais.co See the advert on page 13 for details.

Wippet Club is our core service offer, we provide the power and technology to make extraordinary prices accessible to all our registered and approved customers.

Our ongoing commitment to work with suppliers negotiating fair prices for you is what we do best.

WIPPET PARTNER

Through Wippet Partner you will turbo-charge your procurement with support from our care procurement experts as and when you need it. From simple benchmarking, via our range of suppliers and partner affiliations, to multiple category tenders. Using the Wippet platform technology to manage your procurement projects more efficiently allowing you to focus more time on other areas of your business.

WIPPET FUSE

Wippet Fuse is the simplest, yet most powerful, purchasing platform for care. Take your procurement to the next level with powerful technology that brings you P2P functionality at a fraction of the cost.

Register to gain access to our 3 services and improve all aspects of your procurement.

Find out more and register today at: https://wippetforcare.com/ info@wipet.com or see the advert on page 8.

Enabled Heaters to LST Range Consort Claudgen's innovation in the electric heating industry takes another leap forward by introducing Wi-Fi-enabled heaters to their low surface temperature (LST) range. These cutting-edge heaters offer unparalleled convenience and efficiency.

The heaters connect directly to Wi-Fi, enabling users to control heating through the digital control panel on the heater or via the Consort Connect app. With a comprehensive 7-day timer, which allows 24 individual heating periods per day, and features such as a lock function, open window detection, and custom automation, users can tailor their heating needs to their preferences.

Adding to the ease of use, users can view the ener-

gy consumption statistics of all connected heaters, providing insights into usage patterns and potential savings. The LST heaters with Wi-Fi and occupancy sensors have a self-learning control ability.

They utilise in-built occupancy sensors to detect and learn a user's weekly presence in a room, creating an intuitive heating schedule. When the space is unoccupied, the heater conserves energy by switching to a setback temperature or frost protection mode.

BIM (Building Information Modelling) objects for the heaters are available for download from Consort's website.

01646 692172 | sales@consortepl.com | www.consortepl.com or see the advert on page 19.

Exclusive Antimicrobial Scrub Technology

by Grahame Gardner and Micro-Fresh® The range, exclusive to Grahame Gardner, incorporates cuttingedge technology Micro-Fresh® to help keep healthcare workers safe whilst maintaining unrivalled comfort.

The garment fabric, which is 65 per cent polyester and 35 per cent cotton, is incorporated with innovative Micro-fresh® technology at point of manufacture. The antimicrobial technology not only kills 99.9 per cent of bacteria beyond 50 washes but is also proven to reduce the spread of human coronavirus by 99.2 per cent.

With wash resistant antibacterial protection, MicroFresh® also boasts odour prevention, providing longer lasting freshness for the wearer. The scrubs are hypoal-

lergenic, gentle on skin and vegan friendly.

The exclusive scrubs are available in two fits – unisex and female – the scrub top is available in six colourways: Oasis, Navy, Eau de Nil, Bottle, Smoke Grey and Blue 18 each with a classic contrasting white trim, the trousers are available in core colours Navy, Bottle and Black.

Grahame Gardner also offer all six scrub colours in their Made to Order range with a bespoke choice of trim colour.

The scrub top design features multiple pockets, including two waterproof chest pockets and a wearers right hand hip pocket, which also has a pen divide and an elastic loop for a clip-on hand sanitiser. The trousers have a drawstring waist, and also side and a back pockets.

The range is exclusively available to purchase here: www.grahamegardner.co.uk/healthcare/ microfresh-scrubs.html www.grahamegardner.co.uk info@grahamegardner.co.uk See the advert on page 7 for further details.

Cutting Operating Costs & Lowering Carbon Emissions In One Move The growing trend for selfcontained single-room bed spaces, including either en-suite bathrooms or preferably a wetroom, which not only make the most of smaller spaces but is a practical solution for people with restricted mobility, is driving daily demands for hot water in care homes. Heating the water for more than 17,000 residential care and nursing homes in the UK, their estimated 400,000 residents and a further 750,000 staff means the sector’s energy demands for this service alone are considerable and potentially a key contributor to both operational costs and carbon emissions. Understanding and addressing hot water generation should therefore be an important part of a care home’s daily operation, especially if the sustainability of the care home environment is being challenged.

Adveco Live Metering of the hot water demands of a building is a quick, non-invasive, and extremely cost-effective means of gauging needs. It also provides application design which enables owner/man-

agers to develop realistic and sustainable development strategies which deliver active results today with low to no impact on ongoing operations.

Unless a new build, which will be electrical-based, most refurbishments will look to either improve on existing gas systems or aim to completely replace them with electrical alternatives, typically heat pumps and/or direct-electric heating. This comes at a cost, in terms of capital and especially operational expense, but does reduce carbon emissions.

Solar thermal can help further reduce carbon, but crucially also reduces the expense associated with operating on both gas or electric, reducing annual energy requirements by typically 30% although it could be more. With a less than 10-year return on investment now possible, solar thermal, as a proven renewable should be on any list of net zero technologies being considered as part of a care home’s sustainability strategy. www.adveco.co or see the advert on page 5.

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 47

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT

Lotus Care Technology The NurseAlert pressure mat has been one of the most successful floor pressure mats due to it being non slip and carpeted which makes it feel very natural under a residents foot.

Designed to combat the problem of residents who are inclined to walk undetected, The Nurse Alert Mat can help protect residents especially at night that are at risk of falls and accidents.

This Nurse Alert Mat can be placed typically at the bedside or at the door threshold and plugged into the call socket of the Nurse Call system or the mobile Floor Sentry Monitor.

It can then alert staff for example before the resident is up and about, sounding the alarm with a small amount of pressure thus enabling staff to investigate.

Need to add a pear push lead in the same call point then add a 2-1 adapter

In addition The Floor Pressure Mat has a heavy non slip backing, It comes professionally sealed so can easily be cleaned for liquid spills and is fully serviceable.

And carries a 12 Month guarantee Lotus Care Technology Ltd have many other fall saving devices that can give you peace of mind whilst caring for this at risk of falls.

Having many years of experience in fitting and maintaining Nurse Call Systems helps the guys at Lotus Care Technology understand that every home is different and has different needs. They can specify not only the best system for the environmental factors in the home but also take into consideration the best products that will make your carers and nurses jobs that little bit easier.

Visit our NEW WEBSITE at www.lctuk.com for details.

Frequency Precision - Sensors and Pressure Mats to Monitor Those in Care Technology has made people more connected with the world around them and the revolution in assistive care devices has made it possible for the elderly to spend their last years in a comfortable and familiar environment. These devices have also made it easier for home carers to provide quality care for their loved ones while managing their own lives. They allow you to care for your elderly whether they are travelling in the city for errands, staying alone at home, or staying in the same home as you. They are also helping nursing homes provide better care for them with discrete monitoring and quick responses to emergencies.

If you’re looking for these kinds of assistive care devices for your loved ones or nursing home, Frequency Precision produce some of the best systems available to help you with elderly care and mobility monitoring, ranging from bed, chair and floor sensor mats through fall monitoring and GPS tracking to fully integrated nurse call plug or wireless systems.

Phone: 01837 810590 Email: contact@frequencyprecision.com Website: www.frequencyprecision.com

Nurse Alert Mats Designed to combat the problem of residents who are inclined to walk undetected, the Nurse Alert Mat can help protect residents especially at night that are at risk of falls and accidents.

When connected to a Nurse Call system or the mobile Floor Sentry Monitor it will then alert staff, sounding the alarm with a small amount of pressure thus enabling staff to investigate.

• Nurse Call Systems • Fire Alarm Systems • Door Access • Staff Attack • CCTV • Infection Control • Dementia Care • Electrical Contracting

In addition The Floor Pressure Mat has a heavy non slip backing, It comes professionally sealed so can easily be cleaned for liquid spills and is fully serviceable.

INCLUDES A 12 MONTH GUARANTEE

sales@lctuk.com 0800 8499 121 www.LCTUK.com

PAGE 48 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT Your Fall-Encompassing Care Solution: How Vayyar Care is Shaking Up the Sector There are plenty of reasons why 17 local authority care homes (at the last count) have embraced a new approach to data-driven care. But two stand out: ensuring rapid response to resident falls and accurately assessing risk in order to prevent falls from happening.

Achieving those long-standing goals has been made possible thanks to two types of transformative technology: cutting-edge radar-on-chip sensors and a new generation of connected care platforms capable of analyzing reams of behavioural data and generating actionable insights that enhance outcomes.

FAILSAFE FALL DETECTION The first of those technologies is Vayyar Care. The solution, produced by the world leader in 4D imaging radar and distributed by installation and support experts Panacea Healthcare Group, provides 24/7 monitoring – even in pitch darkness and steamy bathrooms. The sensors deliver instant, exceptionally accurate and fully automatic fall detection without the resident having to push a pendant button – which they might have failed to put on that morning.

Crucially, Vayyar Care ensures the right balance between the detail that care providers need and the dignity residents demand. Less intrusive than video cameras and more precise than acoustic monitoring, it provides full visibility while respecting personal privacy.

As Natasha Corness, TEC Innovation Lead and Essex County Council, puts it: “Vayyar gave us the opportunity to have a non-intrusive way of monitoring our customers across Essex and maintain dignity and respect. It was-

n’t a camera that was monitoring them, you don’t have to remember to put on a pendant alarm. I’d definitely recommend Vayyar Care to other councils because we believe this technology is the future.”

FORWARD-LOOKING FALLS MANAGEMENT Care providers don’t want only to prevent long lies. They also want to mitigate fall risk. That’s where connected care platform providers such as Anthropos come in, providing advanced software that pulls in data from a range of smart devices in order to reveal exactly what’s going on with every resident.

Vayyar Care is at the core of the Anthropos ecosystem.

“We wanted a device that we could easily integrate with in our platform, because we need to have a device that we can trust the data that it provides. That is what Vayyar did for us. It’s almost the equivalent to being there with your client 24/7, when no-one is there,” explains Frances Morrison, Chief Customer Officer at Anthropos Digital Care.

The combined offering’s activity tracking features show where residents are in their suites over any defined period, highlighting risk factors including loneliness, disturbed sleep and higher-than-usual bathroom usage, all of which increase the likelihood of falls.

“It’s pretty impressive technology. I would definitely recommend the system to any care home in the country.

It is definitely a life-saver,” says Michelle Wood, Care Home Manager at Dryfemount in Lockerbie.

To find out more about how Vayyar Care and Anthropos can enhance resident safety, reduce caregiver workload and support your organisation’s digitisation journey, email collaboration@vayyar.com

Silent Running - Tranquility in Care Homes Blaucomm Ltd - Telecommunications & Networks Quiet and calm care homes ensure that residents are able to live in a more relaxing and pleasant home environment.

Similarly, carers and staff find that they too benefit from reduced stress when working in a home where noise levels are kept to a minimum.

Modern Nurse Call systems can incorporate a number of methods to reduce their impact in a care home. These include zoning whereby there are separate alarm types used depending upon the location of the call. In these circumstances, dementia sufferers and those vulnerable to noise can be located in one “zone” whist less vulnerable residents live in an alternative “zone”. Each “zone” can operate different call tones, warning lights or other methods to alert when help is required Reducing noise levels is essential to create a tran-

quil environment for residents.

Pagers have been around for many years, are a relatively simple and cost-effective measure in reducing the levels of noise, and can be added to most Nurse Call systems.

Smart Mobile Devices are now becoming more commonplace for care home staff and hold a variety of apps for care planning, e-medication, etc. Many Courtney Thorne clients are now utilising the “Go” app with their Nurse Call system. With the “Go” app, nurse call alarms are delivered immediately and silently straight to the handsets, alerting the individual carers to all Nurse call alarms without creating any general alarm sound and rarely disturbing the rest of the residents in the home.

For more information email us at: info@c-t.co.uk or see the advert below.

Blaucomm’s Nurse Call Messaging Service (NMS) is the market leading solution to remove the dependency on noisy nurse call panels and pagers, through its intelligent software, which delivers the alerts straight to the care staff who need them.

Care homes are rapidly introducing smartphones for digital care planning and eMar - now, the same devices can be used to receive the nurse call alerts they need for the residents under their care.

Furthermore, Blaucomm NMS is deeply linked into Person Centred Software MCM, so call bell data is linked straight to care plans. This unlocks a huge benefit to care homes to enhance the staff performance with how they accept and respond to residents, which ultimately promotes better response times and visibility for management to audit their performance.

The best part is that Blaucomm NMS links into

your existing nurse call system - we work with all major brands such as Aidcall, ARM, Courtney Thorne, C-TEC, ENS, Intercall, Medicare, SAS and TeleAlarm.

Care operators are constantly recognising Blaucomm NMS for its reliability and dependability to their care operations, which is why we’ve been chosen time and time again over other solutions.

Head of IT Trudi Harrow at WCS Care had this to say about Blaucomm NMS: “We find Blaucomm is a genuinely fantastic company with a reliable product.

"We would highly recommend this to anybody who wants to replace expensive pagers and silence those annoyingly loud nurse call screens!”

To find out more about Blaucomm NMS, visit www.blaucomm.co.uk/healthcare See the advert on the front cover for more details.

www.nursecallsystems.co.uk

PAGE 50 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

NURSE CALL AND FALLS MANAGEMENT Arquella - Connected Technology, Connected Care ARQUELLA, a leading care technology provider, offers solutions to enhance the quality of care in nursing and residential homes across the United Kingdom.

Arquella is passionate about making a difference in the quality of care provided to nursing and residential homes across the United Kingdom. Through the power of technology, we have developed cutting-edge solutions that are accessible and supportive, putting people at the forefront.

As part of a nationwide initiative driven by a £25m UK government funding pledge to enhance the quality of care and support individuals’ independence, Arquella is proud to be at the forefront of the digital transformation in the care sector.

Falls in care homes are a significant concern in the UK, with residents three times more likely to fall than older people living in their own homes. Arquella’s innovative solution, Arquella Sense, utilising sensor-based technology, and Arquella Call, a digital nurse call system, will improve reactive care and reduce risk.

Arquella Sense uses discreet wall or ceiling-mounted sensors to monitor fall risk behaviour 24 hours daily,

Medpage Falls Management Products Medpage Limited has been at the forefront in patient care product innovation for almost four decades.

During this time, we have invented alarm clocks to wake deaf people, monitors for people with epilepsy to detect night-time seizures and alerting carers by radio pager, Calendar Clocks with memory prompting for people with dementia, bed and chair leaving alarms with pager warnings for a carer, and a vast array of electronic sensors.

Our philosophy is always to produce products that people can afford, not just dream of. Certainly, the way world has been for the past few years that philosophy makes more sense today. Our latest range of bed and chair sensor alarms for example, cost a fraction more than they did 10 years ago. Mainly due to the good old microprocessor replacing a bucket load of analogue components. Does anyone remember op-amps and tran-

alerting carers via mobile handsets. The technology aims to intervene before falls occur, increasing safety and providing a cost-effective solution to cumbersome mats.

Arquella Call is an app-based digital nurse call system that delivers in-depth digital records and future-proof functionality. It integrates seamlessly with other software applications, offering actionable data to help shape care delivery and adjust staffing levels.

Arquella is at the forefront of a digital transformation revolution in the care sector. Technology is more important than ever in providing insights and actionable data to inform decisions and improve lives.

For more information about Arquella’s products and how they can benefit your care home, please call 0333 242 7505 or visit their website at www.arquella.co.uk

sistors?

There are close to 100 Medpage branded products to aid care of people who may be; a falls risk, live with epilepsy, suffer from stroke, are a full-time carer, professional healthcare worker, living with dementia. Our products are designed, manufactured, and distributed governed by an audited quality management system. You can trust us to delivery on every count.

People generally these days are not so concerned with the past, mainly what can we have today and what could we have tomorrow. Simple answer.

Today you could visit our website and explore the vast array of Independent Living Aids, Hospital Discharge Patient Home Support product packages, Domestic and Professional Carer Support products. Better planning today will bring better outcomes for tomorrow. Take a look at www.easylinkuk.co.uk See the advert on page 27 for further details.

Fall Savers - Affordable Fall Monitoring Solutions Fall Savers®, are an experienced market leading healthcare provider of resident safety solutions for over 15 years.

FALL SAVERS ® WIRELESS MONITOR

Eliminate all cables with our new generation falls management solutions!

Upgrade your falls programme with the latest technology from Fall Savers®. The NEW Fall Savers® Wireless eliminates the cord between the monitor and sensor pad. This results in less work for nursing staff, improved safety for patients and reduced wear and tear on sensor pads. Wireless advantages include the ability to use one monitor with two sensor pads simultaneously and support for many new wireless devices.

BENEFITS INCLUDE:

Safer for patients; less work for staff Bed and chair pads available One monitor works with two sensor pads Integrates with most nurse call systems A variety of options, including: Call button Pager Floor sensor mat Wireless door/window exit alerts

TREADNOUGHT ®FLOOR SENSOR PAD

The TreadNought® Floor Sensor Pad is built to last with a durable construction that far out lasts the competition. Our anti-bacterial floor

sensor pad is compatible with most nurse call systems or can be used with a portable pager to sound an alert when a person steps on to the sensor pad. Caregivers typically place the sensor pad at the bedside, in a doorway or other locations to monitor persons at risk for falls or wandering. An optional anti-slip mesh reduces the potential for slippage on hard surface floors.

FEATURES INCLUDE: Connects directly to most nurse call systems High Quality anti-bacterial Floor Sensor Pad Large Size Pad: Measures (L) 91cm x (H) 61cm Options (sold separately): Anti-slip mesh for hard surface floors See the advert on this page for further details or visit www.fallsavers.co.uk.

PAGE 52 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Innovative Challenge Fund for Care Tech Advancements Launched in Essex Essex County Council and partners are delighted to announce the launch of an exciting challenge fund aimed at fostering innovations in the field of care technology.

The Care Tech Challenge Fund, a collaborative initiative with the University of Essex, the Eastern Academic Health Science Network, Breaking Barriers Innovations, and Care Providers across Essex, is designed to empower individuals in need of care and support while easing the burden on their caregivers through embracing cutting-edge technology solutions that enhance quality of care and enable greater independence.

The active involvement of the care users themselves (alongside their family/carers) in the coproduction process will be crucial, and much of the judging will be based on the innovator's ability to keep usability and feedback from the users at the heart of the process, as well as following the five priorities they needed to demonstrate against: 1. Reducing health inequality 2.Supporting the care workforce; useability and workload management 3.Support greater independent living for users and reduce demand on areas of severe pressure 4.Encourage interoperability, increasing instances of health and social care working more closely together 5.Prevention of needs developing Out of an initial 26 applications, and following a lengthy and rigorous judging process, the Challenge Fund showcases the three innovations selected as finalists:

JAM UP: A SUPPORT TOOL FOR CHILDREN ON THE AUTISM SPECTRUM Jam Up is a support tool designed to empower children on the autism spectrum to lead more independent lives.

This innovative solution promises to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families facing the unique challenges associated with autism.

“Jam Up! was initially created to help solve a challenge we were experiencing in our home. My autistic son, James (AKA Jammy), found getting dressed and ready for school in the morning very tricky. Jam Up! has made our everyday life much easier. James is using Jam Up! to help him plan and structure getting dressed and feels motivated by the support his virtual pet is giving him! This means less stress and anxiety for everyone in our house. My favourite thing about the app is when the wardrobe opens and you can see the clothes your child has chosen to wear for that day. This was James' idea. He is so proud of himself for creating an app and he still smiles every time he sees the wardrobe open!” - Rachael Malthouse

COGNITIVE REHABILITATION: PERSONALIZED COGNITIVE REHABILITATION THROUGH AI AND AR This digital app leverages the power of Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality to deliver personalised cognitive rehabilitation. It offers individuals a tailored approach to cognitive support, enhancing their cognitive abilities and overall well-being.

“Our motivation is to empower patients with cognitive impairments through our Artificial Intelligence and Augmented Reality app. We're passionate about improving memory, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in a home environment. Our goal is to collaborate within the ecosystem, identify NHS pilot sites, and tailor our app. The Care Tech Campus can assist in navigating healthcare regulations, ensuring patient safety and data security, and expediting NHS deployment.” -Silvia Lin

SUPERSENSE TECHNOLOGIES: PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH SENSOR TECHNOLOGY Supersense Technologies is developing a product that empowers individuals to maintain their independence while continuing to live comfortably in their own homes. The system offers real-time insights and support, enabling a safer and more autonomous living environment.

“We are thrilled to be a part of the Care Tech Campus Challenge Fund. Our primary focus is to help people to live independently while offering much-needed respite for carers. Central to this mission is the development of a product that is not only accessible and user-friendly but also interoperable with the existing systems and processes in use across the county. This unique collaboration provides us with the opportunity to work with, and listen to, people throughout Essex's health and social care system, allowing us to gain a deep understanding of their needs and work together to cocreate a product that directly benefits those who will ultimately be using it.” - James Brown & Matt Ash This initiative is an exciting opportunity for innovators to shape the future of care technology.

Essex County Council and partners have created a challenge fund, to help turn them into practical solutions that improve the lives of Essex residents.

The judging panel is formed from a wealth of experience, leadership, and lived experience from across the Essex region, including: • Peter Fairley – Director of Strategy & Integration, Essex County Council

• Dr. Robert Singh – Director of Research and Enterprise - University of Essex • Simon Wood - Regional Director of Strategy & Transformation for East of England, NHSE • Dr. Ed Garratt – CEO of Suffolk and North East Essex ICB • Jeanette Cookson – Director, Home Instead Essex • Sam Fox – Member, Essex Sight Loss Council • Dr. Louise Jopling – Commercial Director, Health Innovation East (formerly Eastern AHSN) • Jo Rogers – Commissioning Manager – Essex County Council Peter Fairley, Director of Strategy and Integration for Essex County Council, said: “Technology can play a crucial role in social care in helping people to live independently and to improve their quality of life. We are delighted to be working with our partners on this Challenge Prize, which gives a great opportunity for us to support innovators as they work on solutions for the challenges that social care and health face. I look forward to seeing these ideas develop and grow further and to making a positive impact.”

Ed Garratt, Chief Executive of NHS Suffolk and North East Essex, said: “Congratulations to all of the finalists. The standard of entries has been extremely high.

What has been particularly pleasing for me is seeing the needs of service users at the centre of plans. Technology continues to advance in ways that could never have been imagined only a few years ago, so it is wonderful that it is being used in ways that could make such a positive difference to the lives of many.”

Dr. Louise Jopling - Commercial Director, Health Innovation East ‘’I am delighted by the quality and quantity of applicants we received for the Care Tech Challenge Fund, it made the initial judging very difficult, but I’m excited by the engagement and openness of our three finalists and system partners in this co-production phase. This process has already been a great catalyst for driving innovation with and for, the care sector across our region.’’

Furthermore, Essex County Council is proud to announce that this initiative aligns with the upcoming launch of the Essex Care Tech Campus, which will be based on the University of Essex Colchester site.

The Care Tech Campus will serve as a hub for research, development, and collaboration, bringing together academia and industry to drive innovation in the care tech sector.

The Care Tech Challenge Fund represents a major step forward in enhancing the quality of care and support available to residents of Essex and beyond. It embodies the spirit of innovation and collaboration that is at the heart of our commitment to improving the lives of those who need it most.

For more information about the Care Tech Challenge Fund and its finalists, please contact: caretech@bbi.uk.com

Inspired Inspirations: Revolutionising UK's Care Sector with the Tiny Tablet In an era where technology infiltrates every aspect of life, it's paramount for care establishments to harness its potential for enhancing the quality of life for those they care for. One pioneering name stands out in this endeavour - Inspired Inspirations. This innovative company has been leading the transformation of care through its state-of-the-art Tiny Tablet touch screen activity tables.

The impact of the Tiny Tablet across the UK's care sector is nothing short of transformative. Crafted with precision, these activity tables are designed to meet the unique needs of individuals in care settings. The interactive features and user-friendly interface offer residents an engaging experience that transcends the limitations often associated with traditional care environments.

From stimulating cognitive functions to enhancing social interactions, the benefits are manifold. Residents can revisit old memories, connect with loved ones, explore the world, and engage in enriching activities, all with just a touch.

But what truly sets Inspired Inspirations apart is not just their groundbreaking product but their holistic approach to integrating technology into care. Recognising that the most advanced tools are only as effective as the hands that wield them, the company prioritises the training of care staff. They believe in empowering caregivers with the skills and knowledge required to maximise the potential of touch screen

devices. Their comprehensive training modules ensure that care professionals are well-equipped to provide those being cared for with meaningful, enriching interactions using the Tiny Tablet.

Further amplifying their commitment to quality care through technology, Inspired Inspirations has penned an invaluable guide titled "Project Wellbeing: Unleash the Power of Technology in Care". This book is a testament to their deep expertise and dedication to the cause. It offers readers insights into the best practices for integrating technology into care settings and ensuring that residents reap the myriad benefits. By sharing their vast knowledge and experiences, Inspired Inspirations is fostering a care community that is both tech-savvy and deeply compassionate. This can be ordered from Amazon, or Inspired Inspirations own website www.inspired-inspirations.com In conclusion, as the UK's care sector faces unprecedented challenges, companies like Inspired Inspirations are paving the way for a brighter, tech-enabled future. Their remarkable Tiny Tablet touch screen activity tables, coupled with their dedication to staff training and knowledge dissemination, position them as true trailblazers. For care establishments looking to embrace the future and offer unparalleled experiences to the people they care for, a partnership with Inspired Inspirations is not just recommended, it's essential.

See the advert on the facing page for further details.

PAGE 54 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Revolutionary Software Solution, Direcht LD, Empowers Self-Care Within Learning Disability Environments Sidqam UK is proud to announce the launch of Direcht LD, a cuttingedge Software Solution designed specifically for Learning Disability Environments. With a core mission of empowering self-care within individuals, Direcht LD promises to revolutionise the way we support and enhance the lives of those with learning disabilities.

Direcht LD is the result of years of research and development, guided by the belief that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserves the tools and opportunities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives. This innovative software solution is poised to make a significant impact in the field of learning disabilities.

Key features of Direcht LD include: • Empowering Self Care: Supporting people living in LD care, MH care or supported living by completing Daily Questions each day.

• Carer support : Decision making made easy by completing soft signs, vitals, and generating pre-built SBARD’s for reaching out to external healthcare professionals.

• Audit tracing – Past records can be utilised to assist care home managers when being audited.

• CQC inspection assurance: Every interaction is logged, saved and easy to reach for when care homes have inspections from CQC. No more panic during those surprise visits.

• Tailored for Learning Disability Environments: Direcht LD is uniquely designed to address the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals with learning disabilities, making it a valuable asset for caregivers, educators, and support professionals.

• User-Friendly Interface: Direcht LD boasts a user-friendly and intuitive interface that ensures accessibility for all users, regardless of their level of technical proficiency.

• Comprehensive Learning Resources: The software includes a vast library of lessons, assessments, and educational materials, all designed to cater to diverse learning needs and styles.

• Robust Support: Direcht LD is backed by a dedicated team of experts who are committed to providing top-notch customer support and continuous

software updates to meet evolving user needs.

Sidqam invites individuals, organisations, and institutions in the field of learning disabilities to explore the possibilities that Direcht LD offers. This innovative software solution aligns with the mission of enhancing the quality of life and promoting independence for individuals with learning disabilities.

For more information about Direcht LD, please visit www.sidqam.co.uk or contact Lawrence Chadwick-Smith at lawrence.chadwicksmith@sidqam.co.uk and 07920067737

About Sidqam: Sidqam is a leading healthcare technology company that offers cuttingedge solutions to healthcare organisations across the UK and beyond.

These innovative solutions are designed to elevate patient outcomes, lower operational costs, enhance efficiency, and, most crucially, elevate the quality of patient care.

In today’s dynamic healthcare landscape, Sidqam stands as a trailblazer, spearheading advancements that transform the way healthcare is delivered. Our commitment to delivering exceptional technology solutions stems from our unwavering dedication to improving the well-being of patients across the country and beyond.

Transform Your Care Business with Advanced Care Cloud Are you tired of juggling multiple systems and struggling to stay on top of your care organisation's operations? Look no further! Advanced Care Cloud is here to revolutionise the way you manage your care business.

With Advanced Care Cloud, you can say goodbye to the complexities and limitations of outdated software. Our innovative cloud-based solution offers a true, single, integrated platform that empowers you to efficiently manage any type or size of care and support organisation.

Imagine having all your key information at your fingertips, accessible in one central location. No more searching through countless spreadsheets, paperwork, or disjointed systems. Advanced Care Cloud brings everything together, allowing you to see and do what you need, exactly when you need it.

Why choose Advanced Care Cloud? Here are just a few reasons: 1.Streamlined Operations: With Advanced Care Cloud, you can streamline your day-today operations, eliminating time-consuming manual processes and reducing administrative burden. From scheduling and staff management to client records and billing, everything is seamlessly integrated for enhanced efficiency.

2.Comprehensive Care Management: Whether you provide residential care, domiciliary care, supported living, or any other type of care, Advanced Care Cloud has got you covered. Our solution is designed to meet the unique

needs and requirements of various care settings, providing comprehensive care management tools tailored to your specific workflows.

3. Real-time Insights: Gain valuable insights into your care business with Advanced Care Cloud's robust reporting and analytics capabilities. Track key metrics, monitor performance, and make data-driven decisions to drive continuous improvement and achieve better outcomes for your clients.

4. Anywhere, Anytime Access: Advanced Care Cloud is accessible from any device with an internet connection, giving you the flexibility to manage your care business on the go. Even in situations where the connection is lost, Advanced Care Cloud remains accessible. You can continue working offline and rest assured that any updates made will be automatically synced once the connection is re-established. So, whether you're at the office, visiting clients, or attending conferences, you can stay connected and in control.

To experience the power of Advanced Care Cloud firsthand, visit our stand G74 at the Care Show on the 11th and 12th of October at the NEC Birmingham. Our team of experts will be available to provide live demonstrations, answer your questions, and showcase how Advanced Care Cloud can transform your care business.

For more information on Advanced Care Cloud and to schedule a personalised demo, visit our website www.oneadvanced.com/products/care-cloud or call us on 0330 311 6077 today.

PAGE 56 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Technology Enabled Care:

The Next Generation of Care Provision

At The Access Group we are aware of the challenges of maintaining quality care facing the care industry. It is estimated that there are 1.98 million social care requests made every year and with limiting budgets and staff recruitment at a all time high it is getting increasingly difficult to ensure care providers are constantly delivering better person-centred care.

We are delighted to announce our latest solution which will sit within our Workspace for Care, Access Assure. Our Assure ecosystem will sit at the centre of our care offering to prevent, monitor, and react to social care needs as they change.

Here our technology enabled care and digital telecare goes further than just a digital social alarm. We combine both traditional reactive alarm functionality with proactive digital monitoring to deliver better proactive and preventative care.

Our digital monitoring tools allows for continuous data capture and analysis for care providers and clinical consultants, aggregating the data collected and transforming it into actionable insight. In just a matter of 14 days our Assure ecosystem can learn individual daily routines to notify

care providers and loved ones of any changes before something more critical takes place.

The Assure ecosystem supports people recover across the care continuum to prolong independence, provide reassurance, delay future care needs, and reduce hospital discharge delays to help budgets stretch further and help reach the demand easier.

Technology Enabled Care is more than just a single component or sensor it’s the combined sum of all its parts. To enable this Assure integrates with 3rd party sensors and devices and a variety of our other care solutions. This ensures we can deliver a level of intelligence and can help join up data to provide insight on wellbeing to deliver a preventative approach to care and improve care planning, care management, and care delivery to give individuals the freedom to do more.

To find out more about how our digital telecare helps deliver better proactive and preventative care, contact us today at www.theaccessgroup.com/engb/health-social-care/form/digitaltelecare-demo-contact-form/

Introducing Caregraphy: Transforming Social Care Management In today's rapidly evolving world, where technology drives progress across industries, the field of health and social care is no exception. Caregraphy is proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, offering an innovative software solution that revolutionises the way care organisations manage their operations.

At Caregraphy, we understand the challenges faced by care providers in delivering high-quality services while navigating complex regulatory landscapes. Our mission is to empower care organisations with the tools they need to enhance client outcomes, streamline administrative tasks, and ensure compliance with ever-changing regulations.

What sets Caregraphy apart is its user-centric design that places care providers and clients at the heart of every feature.

From comprehensive client assessments and personalised support plans to secure communication tools and real-time reporting, our software is built to simplify your daily tasks and elevate your service quality.

With Caregraphy, gone are the days of manual paperwork, inefficient communication, and disjointed processes. Our platform seamlessly integrates all aspects of care management into one unified system, enabling you to focus on what truly matters – delivering exceptional care and improving the lives of those you serve.

We are not just a software provider; we are your partner in progress. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that Caregraphy works to suit your unique needs, evolving alongside your organisation. By harnessing the power of technology, we enable you to unlock new efficiencies, achieve higher standards of care, and drive positive outcomes.

Experience the Caregraphy difference – where innovation meets compassion, and where your organisation's success is our top priority.

Discover more at www.caregraphy.com and book a demo to find out how you can start your journey with Caregraphy today.

See the advert on page 46 for details.

Pass Profile 2023

• Save you time • Increase the efficiency of your teams • Improve the quality of care • Deliver better outcomes

PASS supports over 1,000 care providers every day, giving them access to market leading care management tools hand in hand with unlimited 24/7/365 support from our dedicated and friendly PASS team.

Assured by NHS Transformation Directorate, PASS provides a secure platform that allows you to plan, record and evidence the care you deliver. The only assured solution built specifically for the home care sector, it provides comprehensive real-time functionality and allows you to share progress against outcomes with customisable, exportable reports.

CARE PLANNING AND ROSTERING FROM A SINGLE PLATFORM To meet the wider needs of the PASS community All-in-one PASS has recently been launched , bringing advanced rostering functionality to our established digital care planning platform. As a result advanced staff scheduling, payroll and invoicing functionality is now seamlessly linked with care planning and reporting, reducing the technical complexity, risk and overhead associated with integrating two separate systems.

As a result, PASS now provides an all-in-one suite of digital care management tools, available from a single platform, designed to:

INTEGRATED HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE Our commitment to the continual evolution of PASS is further illustrated by the addition of GP Connect.

PASS GP Connect provides authorised social care staff with realtime access to their client’s GP records. It makes medical information available when and where it is needed, leading to improvements in both care safety and outcomes: • Visibility of allergies, vaccinations and medications, especially useful for clients unable to reliably share their personal information • Using medical information to inform care planning • Ensuring that the right medication is delivered to the right person in the timeliest manner. In one case, this allowed the administration of antibiotics on a Friday evening, aiding the service user’s swift recovery from infection Available to all PASS users at no additional cost, PASS GP Connect is significantly more efficient than waiting for a GP response. It’s also a positive step forward on the path to the DHSC’s goal for widespread digitally enabled care and is in full alignment with their ambition for joined up care for everyone.

Get in touch: www.everylifetechnologies.com hello@everylifetechnoloiges.com

PAGE 58 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE

Sidqam - Software Solutions for Community Care Sidqam is a health technology company that offers cutting-edge solutions to health and community care organisations in the United Kingdom. These innovative solutions are designed to elevate patient outcomes and staff confidence, lower operational costs, enhance efficiency, and, most crucially, improve the quality of patient care.

In today's dynamic healthcare landscape, Sidqam stands as a trailblazer, spearheading advancements that transform the way healthcare is delivered. Our commitment to delivering exceptional technology solutions stems from our unwavering dedication to improving the wellbeing of patients across the country and beyond.

Fardeen Siddiqui, CEO Sidqam Ltd. says, “Our software solutions are a testament to our commitment to delivering excellence within community care. We understand the profound impact that technology can have on the lives of both caregivers and the individuals they support. In the realm of care homes, Direcht Care streamlines administrative tasks, allowing staff to dedicate more time and attention to residents. We prioritize enhancing the quality of care, ensuring that each individual receives personalised support tailored to their unique needs.

For those with learning disabilities, Direcht LD creates opportunities for independence and growth. It fosters a supportive environment that encourages skill development and empowerment. We believe that technology should serve as a bridge to inclusivity, enabling individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling lives within their communities” Lawrence Chadwick-Smith, Head of Operations added, “Our software solutions for community care are driven by a shared passion for enhancing lives, it's a sector we are immensely proud to serve. We understand that the well-being of individuals in care homes, those with learning disabilities and domiciliary care hinges on the quality of care they receive, and we are here to set new standards of excellence and compassion.”

OUR PRODUCTS Direcht LD is the result of years of research and development, guided by the belief that everyone, regardless of their abilities, deserve the tools and opportunities to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.

This innovative and fit-for-purpose software solution is poised to make a significant impact in the field of caring for people with learning dis-

abilities.

Direcht Care empowers care providers with a comprehensive and user-friendly platform to streamline and enhance resident care. Our software offers intuitive care plan creation and management tools, enabling care teams to develop personalised care plans that cater to each resident's unique needs, preferences, and medical history.

Additionally, incorporating Direcht Restore enables comprehensive deterioration monitoring and escalation.

Direcht Restore is the ultimate monitoring deterioration and escalation software that helps care homes provide the best care to their residents by empowering care workers with the support they need.

Co-developed with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight ICB (the original creators of the paper RESTORE2™), Direcht Restore is the only fullstandard deterioration monitoring solution on the market.

For more information about the Sidqam range of software solutions for community care, please visit www.sidqam.co.uk, email direcht@sidqam.co.uk or call 0161 818 4614

WhosOffice Online success Helps Care Sector with Shift Planning and Staff Leave Management Kent -based WhosOffice.com is helping the care sector manage staff shifts and leave planning. Currently used by many businesses to manage staff holidays and shift rotas online.

WhosOffice’s CEO, Reg Groombridge, has seen a noticeable shift in the way companies are managing essential HR tasks like coordinating staff time off and shift patterns.

“All companies, including large care homes, hospital pharmacies and the care sector generally are more sensitive than ever to key staff not being available at vital times during a shift. Management, including local managers, need to have a clear vision of whos on shift, day off, who’s on leave or even off sick and be able to plan tasks accordingly to the correct staff.”

“As there continues to be pressure caused by the shortage of skilled and qualified personnel, you need online systems that your whole team can use to see accurate information, wherever they’re located – at head office, care home based, onsite or on the move.”

Knowing who’s on shift or available to cover a shift is the key to success along with who’s qualified to cover certain essential roles and tasks.

“The switch to digital shift planning is driving investment in HR tools like WhosOffice because there can be less face-to-face interaction between staff. Its easier to have an online system that gives everyone from the ground up a clearer picture of who’s on shift, who’s available and qualified to take on tasks that must covered.

Particularly in the care sector you can’t just lean across the desk and ask someone if they’ve booked next week off or when they are next on shift.

“There’s also a need for companies to provide a good employee experience. When recruitment is a challenge, you can’t afford to lose your most valuable people – and a basic mistake like miscalculating someone’s holiday allowance or not logging their time off request can have a huge impact on people’s loyalty to your business.”

“Likewise, it’s important to protect the health and wellbeing of your workforce, to mitigate the risk of someone going off long-term sick.

We’re seeing more companies using the WhosOffice absence management feature to track staff sick leave, so they can identify people who may be struggling with their physical or mental health and offer appropriate support.”

Ever-rising employee expectations have created a stronger business case for investing in HR technologies. When WhosOffice launched in 2015 it was one of the very first online staff shift and leave planners, and many businesses still used paper forms or spreadsheets to track time off. Now, companies of all sizes are modernising their operations to help them attract and retain the best people.

“Fortunately, essential HR tools have become much more affordable in recent years, which means SMEs can use the same, sophisticated software as much larger companies.”

Contact details WhosOffice.com +44 (0)1227 812938 support@whosoffice.com

PAGE 60 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

TECHNOLOGY AND SOFTWARE Cyber Attack On Social Care: A Case Of ‘When, Not If’

By Daniel O’Shaughnessy, Delivery Manager at Better Security, Better Care In the modern world, cyber attacks are a case of ‘when, not if’, and social care is no exception. During National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October, Better Security, Better Care will be encouraging all care providers to check and improve their cyber security arrangements.

The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2023 reports that 59% of medium sized businesses recall breaches or attacks in the last year. Smaller organisations are identifying them less, but this may reflect that managers in smaller organisations view cyber security as less of a priority in the current economic climate, so are undertaking less monitoring.

As most care services are small or medium sized businesses, with valuable data such as staff, clients’ and the company’s bank details, they can be particularly vulnerable. The impact can be significant and costly such as: • loss of access to care plans and rosters, putting care delivery at risk • financial losses due to theft from bank accounts, fake requests for payments, and ransomware demands • the time lost through having to fix systems.

Many more care providers are using the free Data Security and Protection Toolkit

(DPST) for social care to assess and improve their arrangements. That is real progress.

The challenge is to be continuously alert to less obvious or emerging risks.

For example, if a software supplier is the victim of a cyber attack, it can impact on organisations using their systems. This happened last summer when a cyber-attack impacted NHS and social care software systems. One care provider had all the appropriate cyber security infrastructure in place, but they were still disrupted because the attack on the software company blocked access to their system. Fortunately, the care service had a strong business continuity plan in place. As the manager explains: “We had already been backing up and downloading our employee rosters as part of this plan, so when the attack happened, we were able to check our downloaded rosters and move these over to a spreadsheet.”

We strongly encourage providers to take up the benefits of going digital – and plan for the potential risks. The DSPT brings you through all the issues you need to consider.

And you don’t have to do it alone. You can access free support from the Better Security, Better Care programme – including 28 support organisations across the country.

Visit www.digitalsocialcare.co.uk/bettersecuritybettercare or see the advert on page 9.

Elevating Care Standards: A Revolution in UK Residential and Domiciliary Care Auditing In an era of ever-evolving healthcare regulations and an unwavering commitment to delivering quality care, auditing and compliance have never been more critical in residential care and domiciliary care settings. The spotlight on transparency, accountability, and patient safety shines brighter than ever before. That's where our state-of-the-art auditing tool comes into play, paving the way for a new standard of excellence in care provision.

A NEED FOR TRANSFORMATION IN CARE AUDIT PROCESSES Traditionally, auditing processes for care providers have been time-consuming, paper-heavy, and prone to errors. The burden of regulatory compliance, risk mitigation, and delivering exceptional patient-centred care can be overwhelming.

THE POWER OF CARE AUDITS Customisable Templates: Tailor audit templates to your specific care setting, ensuring that the auditing process aligns perfectly with your care protocols and regulatory requirements.

Time and Cost Efficiency: Say goodbye to the days of sifting through mountains of paperwork. Care Audits streamlines the auditing process, saving time and reducing costs.

Real-time Tracking: Stay ahead of compliance requirements with real-time tracking and reporting. Our system allows you to monitor, manage, and report on audit findings instantly, reducing the risk of compliance gaps and penalties.

Improved Care Quality: By identifying areas for improvement quickly and efficiently, Care Audits empowers your team to enhance care quality and patient outcomes.

Comprehensive Training and Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure that you maximize the potential of Care Audits.

JOIN THE FUTURE OF CARE AUDITING Embrace innovation, elevate your care provision, and ensure unwavering compliance with Care Audits. It's time to leave behind the challenges of outdated auditing methods and embrace the efficiency, accuracy, and quality improvements Care Audits offers.

Invest in your residents, clients, and the future of care. Contact us today to schedule a demo or experience Care Audits first-hand with our free 14-day free trial.

See the advert on this page for further details.

Patient Handling and Moving

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 61

PATIENT HANDLING

Patient handling and moving in UK residential and nursing care homes is an essential activity that needs to be carried out safely and efficiently to prevent injury to both patients and staff. Handling and moving patients can be a physically demanding task, and staff must be trained and equipped to carry out this activity safely.

LEGISLATION

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 is the primary legislation that governs health and safety in the workplace, including residential and nursing care homes. This act requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and anyone else who may be affected by their work. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 build on this act, requiring employers to conduct risk assessments and implement measures to eliminate or control the risks identified.

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 also relate to patient handling and moving and require employers to avoid hazardous manual handling wherever possible. If this is not feasible, employers must assess the risk of injury and take steps to reduce it, such as providing training, equipment, and other aids. The regulations also require employers to ensure that workers are aware of the risks associated with manual handling and the measures in place to minimize them.

TRAINING

Training is a crucial aspect of patient handling and moving in residential and nursing care homes. Workers must be trained in the safe use of equipment and techniques to prevent injury to themselves and patients. The training should cover the risks associated with manual handling, such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and how to minimize them. Workers should also be trained in how to use patient handling aids and equipment, such as hoists and transfer belts.

Training should be provided to all new employees and repeated periodically to ensure that all staff are aware of the latest techniques and equipment. The training should also cover the specific needs of different patient groups, such as those with dementia or other cognitive impairments. It is essential to ensure that workers have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide safe and effective care to all patients.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk assessment is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of patients and caregivers in residential and nursing care homes. Employers must

conduct risk assessments to identify potential hazards and take steps to eliminate or control them. The risk assessment should cover all aspects of patient handling and moving, including lifting, transferring, and repositioning.

The risk assessment should consider factors such as the patient's weight, mobility, and any medical conditions that may affect their ability to move. It should also consider the environment in which the patient is being moved, such as the presence of obstacles or uneven flooring.

Based on the risk assessment, employers should implement measures to reduce the risk of injury, such as the use of patient handling aids and equipment or changes to the layout of the care home.

INJURIES

Injuries resulting from patient handling and moving are a common problem in care homes. Staff who handle patients regularly are at risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries, such as back pain and strain injuries. Patients may also experience discomfort, pain, and pressure sores if they are not handled correctly. These injuries can be prevented by following safe handling techniques and using equipment such as hoists and slings.

Patient handling aids and equipment play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of both patients and caregivers in UK residential and nursing care homes. These aids and equipment are designed to assist with patient handling and moving, which can often

be physically demanding and potentially dangerous without proper equipment and techniques.

One of the most commonly used patient handling aids is the hoist.

Hoists are devices that use a lifting mechanism to move patients from one location to another, such as from a bed to a wheelchair or a bath.

Ceiling hoists are often used in care homes and are mounted on a track system that allows them to move across the ceiling, while mobile hoists are freestanding and can be moved from one location to another.

Transfer belts are another type of patient handling aid that is widely used in care homes. These belts are placed around the patient's waist and are used to assist with transfers from one location to another, such as from a bed to a chair or a toilet. Transfer belts are particularly useful for patients who have some mobility but may need assistance with standing or walking.

Slide sheets are also commonly used in patient handling and moving. These sheets are placed under the patient and are used to slide them from one surface to another, such as from a bed to a stretcher or a wheelchair. Slide sheets are particularly useful for patients who are unable to assist with their own transfers.

Other types of patient handling aids and equipment include standing aids, turning discs, and lifting cushions. These aids and equipment are designed to provide additional support during patient handling and moving, reducing the risk of injury to both patients and caregivers.

DISCOMFORT AND DIGNITY

Patient handling and moving can be uncomfortable and undignified for patients if not carried out correctly. Care homes should ensure that patients are treated with dignity and respect at all times and that their privacy is protected. Patients should be involved in the handling and moving process as much as possible and should be given the opportunity to provide feedback on their experiences.

In conclusion, patient handling and moving in UK residential and nursing care homes is a vital activity that requires careful planning and execution to prevent injury to both patients and staff. Care homes should ensure that all staff involved in patient handling and moving receive regular training, and that they have access to appropriate equipment and aids. Risk assessment should be carried out before any handling activity takes place, and patients should be treated with dignity and respect at all times.

Lento Neuro - Elevating Neurological Patient Comfort and Care Unmatched Comfort and Support Lento Neuro is a therapeutic solution, engineered to meet the unique needs of patients with neurological conditions.

With its emphasis on supportive seating and ergonomic design, it the chair ‘hugs’ patients and provides a secure and calming “cocooned” feel when in the chair.

Widely Adjustable We recognise that every patient is unique. That's why Lento Neuro offers a wide adjustability that means this chair can be change in size as a patient’s condition progresses.

Find the ideal fit for a patient with: • Removable armrests • Adjustable seat depth and width • Adjustable back angle and incremental recline.

Seamless Mobility and Safety Mobility and safety are crucial in a healthcare environment, Lento Neuro features lockable wheels on the chair and footrest allowing you to easily adjust the chair's position.

Pressure Care Materials Throughout The Lento Neuro is designed with built in pressure care solutions that prioritise the health and safety of your patients.

We've incorporated Dartex, a leading pressure care material that allows moisture to pass through, into Lento Neuro's skin contact surfaces. This provides additional support by preventing skin breakdown, crucial for patients with neurological conditions who may be at greater risk.

The breathable back cushions also allow air to pass through the chair and maintain patient comfort.

Accessories Whether it's choosing from various postural cushion options or utilising the chair's intuitive adjustable positions, you can personalise the seating experience to optimise patient comfort and well-being.

A Partnership for Progress Vivid Care are not just a supplier; we're your collaborative partner in delivering exceptional patient care. With this innovative chair, you can elevate care standards and enrich the lives of patients facing neurological challenges.

Join us in shaping the future of neurological disease patient care.

enquiries@vivid.care 01423 799960 www.vivid.care

PAGE 62 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

PROFESSIONAL AND RECRUITMENT

Navigating Nursing Shortages: Legal Responsibilities & Recruitment Strategies Brendan Wincott is the managing director of Guardian Support, an HR, Employment Law and Health and Safety consultancy (www.guardiansupport.co.uk) The care sector is facing an unprecedented recruitment challenge which is being compounded by high staff turnover (31%) and increasing vacancies (currently 8%). While UK employers are increasingly relying on overseas workers, this is not enough.

It is unlikely that the NHS or government will be able to solve this issue themselves. In this blog, we focus on employers, their legal duties towards nursing staff and how they can potentially increase the recruitment and retention of nurses.

WHY IS THERE A SHORTAGE OF NURSES IN THE UK?

area where nurses may not work. Employers should take care when including such clauses, as they should aim to protect the interests of the business while still being fair to the employee and any future work opportunities they may be presented with.

NAVIGATING POOR WORK PERFORMANCE IN A NURSING SHORTAGE During a crisis such as this, it can be difficult for employers to navigate the way forward. Should employers be dealing with issues like poor performance more leniently? And should the criteria for nursing recruitment change?

Ideally, employers should always strive to attract and retain top talent. One of the first courses of action you should take is to conduct a background check on your nurses. This will help you determine whether

There are many factors that have influenced the nursing shortage.

The Covid-19 pandemic put immense pressure on the healthcare system, ramping up nurse demand. This resulted in significantly heavier workloads, burnout and mental health issues.

When you couple these poor working conditions with the severely low pay, one can understand why these professionals are choosing to leave the healthcare sector or not enter it at all.

should use the opportunity to understand why this is the case and provide the training and support needed

WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS' LEGAL DUTIES & HOW CAN THEY HELP NURSES?

to improve a nurse's performance.

UK employers are legally required to adhere to the rules and regulations set out by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. In terms of the nursing sector, employers must do everything in their power to ensure a safe working environment for nurses.

This includes assessing risks (such as patient handling, use of equipment, and exposure to infectious diseases) and implementing preventative measures. Additionally, nurses must be supplied with the correct personal protective equipment, as this will prevent exposure to harmful pathogens.

HOW ELSE CAN YOU SUPPORT NURSING STAFF?

EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS FOR NURSING STAFF Employment contracts should be fair to both parties. Something that has been increasingly seen in nurses' employment contracts is restrictive covenants, which are more commonly known as non-compete clauses.

With these clauses, an employee agrees to refrain from competing against the employer, poaching colleagues or inducing customers away from the employer. Often, these clauses also stipulate a geographical

they are fit to work with vulnerable adults and other groups.

Additionally, you should ensure they are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council) and hold a relevant associate or bachelor's degree.

During the duration of the employment contract, it’s also essential that you conduct appraisals with your nursing staff. This will help you to determine if they are still performing at a satisfactory level. If not, you

Many nursing staff have left their jobs in the past year, citing reasons such as anxiety, stress, depression and other mental health issues. As an employer, you have a duty of care towards your nursing staff, and apart from ensuring their health and safety, you should also take steps to support their welfare. Providing mental health support as well as training can assist nurses with the skills needed to work in such a taxing environment.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE NURSING SHORTAGE The nursing shortage is a crisis for the UK sector, and in such a climate, employers are faced with the challenges of attracting and retaining skilled nurses while still ensuring legal compliance.

Providing employment contracts that are fair to both employer and employee can help with attracting and retaining skilled nurses. Additionally, employers should look to support staff welfare through mental health assistance and training.

In Dire Need Of Experienced Health Care Assistant, Senior Carer Or A Nurse?

JJ Recruitment has the large database of well qualified applicants with experience in the healthcare industry, such as health care assistants, senior carers, and nurses from overseas. We also have an expert team of solicitors for the necessary legal proceedings and advices.

WHY JJ? • We have very minimal processing fees.

• We assist you to get a sponsorship license.

• Qualified and experienced candidates from overseas.

Tel: 01704 808227 www.jjcarerecruitment.co.uk admin@jjrecruitment.co.uk See the advert on the facing page for details.

Care Home Finance from Global Business Finance Global assists clients throughout the U.K. who specialise in the healthcare sector to achieve their objectives of purchase, development and refinance.

We have organised over £1.8bn for clients in the past 30 years, providing clients with competitively priced funding to refinance existing debt, ease cashflow and develop businesses further.

From helping clients make their first purchase through to allowing groups to grow significantly in

size we assist at every stage of your business expansion.

Every proposal is individual and deserves to be treated that way, so we hope you will allow us to be of assistance to you and call us to chat through your plans and requirements, I am sure we will be able to tailor a facility to your requirements.

Call us on 01242 227172 or e-mail us at enquiries@globalbusinessfinance.net

FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE SOCIAL CARE SECTOR DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOU, SIGN UP AT WWW.THECARERUK.COM/SIGNUP

THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168 | PAGE 63

PROFESSIONAL AND RECRUITMENT Transforming Care Services: How Interim Managers and Mock CQC Inspections Can Save Providers Money, Stress and Their Reputation As a provider, we have encountered our fair share of challenges. From staffing shortages to regulatory hurdles, the road to providing good care can often be rocky. However, through our journey, we’ve learned of two invaluable tools that can save providers money, stress, and their reputation.

THE POWER OF INTERIM MANAGERS Interims are seasoned professionals who step in during times of crisis, transition or growth; bringing a fresh perspective. Their expertise can range from operations and compliance to financial management and staffing. Here's why they are an asset to providers: • Problem Solvers: They quickly assess the situation, identify problems, and implement effective solutions, preventing issues from escalating and incurring more significant costs.

• Regulation: They ensure services remains compliant,

avoiding costly penalties.

• Staff Development: Interims excel in reducing staff turnover, agency cost and supporting staff.

• Efficiency: Hiring an interim may seem like an added expense, their ability to streamline operations can result in substantial cost savings.

THE VALUE OF MOCK CQC INSPECTIONS Inspections led by experienced professionals help providers improve, preventing costly regulatory fines and reputational damage. Mock inspections demonstrate commitment to and evidence of people’s lived experience, attracting more clients and investors.

THE PATH TO SUCCESS Given our experience as provider who have weathered numerous storms, we can attest to the transformative power of these tools when they are led people like the Jiggle team, who know the sector.

By embracing interim support and mock CQC inspections, you too can embark on a journey toward a brighter, more sustainable future.

Nicola Brookes Head of Social Care & Interim Support www.jigglestaffing.com or see the advert on page 11.

Immtell - Navigating Immiggration, Delivering Solutions Filling roles in the care industry has never been more challenging.

The need for experienced staff to provide vital care services is increasing and it’s crucial we find solutions to bridge this gap.

Immtell is your ally in this journey, guiding care homes through the process of acquiring and maintaining a Home Office Sponsor Licence and sourcing talent globally through the Health and Care Visa route.

As a care home, it’s paramount to have robust procedures in place to ensure compliance with immigration laws. Beyond Sponsor Licence application and management, we assist with Sponsor Duties, Compliance Audits, Right to Work Checks and provide immigration staff training. Our services mitigate

the risk of fines and reputational damage from employing illegal workers.

For overseas nurses and carers aspiring to work in the UK, Immtell offers specialised UK immigration support with initial visa applications, extensions, family dependant visas and more, simplifying the path to new opportunities in the UK care sector.

Our work at Immtell is making a real difference, helping to resource care homes with the experienced personnel they need and enabling caring professionals to take up these critical roles.

For more information, contact Gavin Webster, Director at Immtell, at info@immtell.com, or visit our website at www.immtell.com.

PLEASE MENTION THE CARER WHEN RESPONDING TO ADVERTISING

PAGE 64 | THE CARER DIGITAL | ISSUE 168

PROFESSIONAL AND RECRUITMENT

Creating Caring Communities: A Chat with Kata Care's MD, Fae Mell Interviewer: Let's dive right into it, Fae. Can you give us the lowdown on Kata Care and what got you started on this journey?

Fae: Kata Care is all about making a positive impact in social care. My co-founder and I saw a need for expert support that could adapt to the ever-changing demands of the sector. We wanted to be that helping hand for care providers, whether they're struggling with leadership, quality improvement, regulations, or growing their business. We wanted to be the onestop shop for all their needs, whether it's a specific project, an interim contract, or a long-term care quality partner.

I: That's fantastic! So, what's the secret sauce that sets Kata Care

apart?

F: Well, it all comes down to personalised support. We get that every care provider is unique, so we offer tailor-made solutions. Our team includes a whole bunch of experts - Registered Managers, Directors, CSuite pros, and former regulators. Plus, we've got national coverage of close to 100 experts, so we adapt to whatever our clients need, and quickly.

I: What do you look for in the professionals you bring into Kata Care?

F: We seek people who share our passion for excellent care, who are compassionate, adaptable, and always eager to improve. Our team are experts in their fields, but they're also great collaborators. Most of them have been in the sector for over 20 years - they're all incredible.

I: Collaboration and empathy, that's what it's all about. Speaking of collaboration, what's your vision for Kata Care's role in encouraging collaboration within the care community?

F: We see Kata Care as a central hub for collaboration and knowledge

exchange. We're all about connecting care providers, consultants, suppliers, job seekers, and specialist experts. We want to share best practices and spark innovation. Our network of interims and consultants is bursting with talent, and together, we're raising the bar for social care. For those who know me, they know I'm a strong advocate for collaboration. The world would be a better place if we all worked in harmony.

I: Love the community spirit. Before we wrap it up, any advice for those looking to make a difference in social care?

F: Easy. Follow your heart, believe in the positive change you can make, and surround yourself with a supportive crew. Together, we can make the world of care brighter and better for everyone who needs it.

I: You're spreading some serious positivity, Fae. Thanks for sharing this with us today. We're rooting for your mission to uplift social care standards!

F: Thanks so much for having me :) See the advert on the facing page for details.

Are You Looking For Trained Healthcare Professionals?

At Nurse 365 we provide experienced and fully vetted agency support workers and nurses on a temporary and block booking basis. We are based in Whitchurch, Shropshire and supply care staff to the West Midlands, Shropshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire and Wirral areas.

Our lines are open 24/7 365 days of the year, with a team dedicated to your staffing solutions.

Nurse 365 has a high number of care staff who are available to cover shifts as and when needed, to the highest quality. Every candidate is trained annually in numerous courses (some of which are; dementia awareness, epilepsy, positive behaviour support, learning disabilities and autism

awareness) and many, many more.

We have helped numerous care, residential and nursing homes combat their staffing solutions with our high quality staff and are now No.1 on their PSL/suppliers list. Our care is second to none – you can rely on us to provide professional and reliable care staff to be a part of your team.

Get in touch today for all enquiries: Tel: 01948 808833 Email: nurse365@mail.com Web: www.Nurse-365.co.uk

Elevating Healthcare Staffing with Meridale In the complex world of healthcare, the backbone of any healthcare facility is its dedicated team of nurses, healthcare assistants, support workers, and many others. The quality of care provided to patients hinges on the expertise and commitment of these professionals. At Meridale, we understand this fundamental truth and have made it our mission to revolutionize how healthcare recruitment is handled.

EXCEPTIONAL RECRUITMENT SERVICES

Meridale stands at the forefront of healthcare staffing because we recognize that the heart of healthcare lies in the people who provide it. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond mere lip service; it’s embedded in every facet of our recruitment services. We specialize in connecting healthcare facilities with the finest talent available.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR NEEDS We understand that every healthcare facility has unique needs and constraints. Meridale takes the time to listen, comprehend, and collaborate with you to find solutions that align with your budget and meet your specific requirements. Our commitment to tailoring our services ensures that the candidates we recommend are highly skilled and a cultural fit for your institution.

FULFILLING STAFFING GAPS EFFICIENTLY

In healthcare, time is of the essence. Staffing gaps can disrupt operations and impact patient care. With Meridale’s extensive network of healthcare professionals, we can swiftly and adeptly fill these gaps. Our goal is to ensure that your facility operates seamlessly and that your patients receive nothing short of the best care possible.

In these challenging times, when the healthcare industry faces unprecedented demands, having a reliable and dedicated team is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Meridale stands ready to support healthcare facilities in their mission to deliver exceptional care. We are more than a recruitment agency; we are your partner in elevating the standards of healthcare staffing.

Contact 01902 240019 or see the advert below for details.